Flood benefits run out for Ind. families

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Almost a dozen Lake County, Ind., families are looking for a place to stay after flood benefits ran out on Monday.

The families were forced from their homes by September floods and have been living in temporary shelters.

Monday is moving day for the Schmidt family, who has been living at Merrillville's Comfort Suites since they had to leave their flooded home.

"We knew this was the last day but we were trying to figure out where we were going. No one told us," said William Schmidt, flood victim.

The Schmidts are headed to a shelter in Gary that the state of Indiana and FEMA have set up for displaced families.

"Maybe perhaps some folks didn't get the message, but, again, there were fliers put under everyone's door. There were phone calls made everyone to. Every time the meals were delivered the message has been consistent and down to the fact that we came to their lobby," said Isaac Randolph, State of Indiana

The Schmidt children have not been to school since the floods because they have not had transportation.

"They're doing fine right now. They're just upset because we have to move again," said Kathy Schmidt, flood victim.

Displaced families will be placed in rental properties next. Until then, they'll stay at a shelter.

" The state handles the security deposits for the rental property and then FEMA takes care of the rim itself and then FEMA works with these families to determine how much they qualify to mitigate their property and get them back into their homes. Or find another avenue," said Randolph.

Indiana officials are asking residents with rental properties in nearby communities to offer help. The Schmidts will be harder to place, according to state officials, because they have five children and therefore need a larger space.

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