Lori Latham for Gary City Council, 1st District

09/02/2026

What a beautiful day of Community!

Today's Community Laundry Day was about so much more than washing clothes. It was about neighbors helping neighbors, people showing up for one another, and making sure our community knew they were not alone.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped make today possible, from our sponsors and volunteers to those who donated supplies and snacks! Thank you to everyone who shared the information, helped spread the word, and simply showed up ready to serve.

To all the residents who joined us today, THANK YOU! We appreciate your patience and kindness as we worked to serve as many families as possible.

It is in challenging moments that we get to see firsthand what community really looks like. Today was another reminder that when we come together, share what we have, and look out for each other, we can make a real difference.

I am incredibly grateful for everyone who played a part in making Community Laundry Day happen! Blast Laundromat , Myles Tolliver, Kristen Self, Triumphant Transitions, and all of our generous sponsors!

09/01/2026

This article captures so much of what our community experienced following the devastating storm.

For many of us Gary residents, the power outage meant days of uncertainty, spoiled food, difficult nights, and the need to find the resources to care for our families. It was not easy, but through it all, we saw neighbors helping neighbors, businesses opening their doors, and organizations stepping in wherever they could.

As we continue recovering, I hope we take time to reflect on what happened and have honest conversations about how we can better prepare, strengthen our infrastructure, and support every resident during future emergencies.

The lights may be back on, but there is still important work ahead. I am grateful for the strength, compassion, and resilience our community continues to show.

Read the article:

Without intervention, the same inequities that made Gary residents more vulnerable before the power outage will make it harder to rebuild.

08/31/2026

COMMUNITY LAUNDRY DAY UPDATE

Thank you to everyone who has registered for Community Laundry Day! We are grateful for the tremendous response and look forward to serving our community.

As a reminder, each participant should register for ONE time slot only. Your registration reserves your time to participate; it is not necessary to reserve a separate slot for each washing machine you plan to use.
Community Laundry Day was created to provide a helping hand to residents who are in need of this service. We want to make sure as many individuals and families as possible have an opportunity to benefit.

We kindly ask everyone to be considerate of our neighbors and only reserve the time you need so we can leave space for someone else who may need this resource too.

Thank you for helping us make Community Laundry Day a true reflection of neighbors helping neighbors.

08/29/2026

FREE COMMUNITY LAUNDRY DAY IS ALMOST HERE!

We are continuing to come together to support Gary residents affected by the recent storms and power outages.

On Tuesday, September 1, residents in need are invited to take advantage of FREE laundry services at Blast Laundromat.

Blast Laundromat
877 S. Lake St., Suite A, Gary, IN from 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Registration is required. https://signup.com/go/jhFGyxm

I am honored to host Community Laundry Day with Councilman At-Large Myles Tolliver, made possible by Blast Laundromat, Kristen Self, Triumphant Transitions, and our generous sponsors.

Please share this with a neighbor, family member, senior, or resident who could use a little extra support right now. Gary continues to show what community looks like when we come together and take care of one another.

08/29/2026

We are collecting donations to help our neighbors in need. Please drop off your contributions at Lake Etta County Park (4801 W 29th Ave). Check the attached flyer for the specific supplies we are looking for!

Friday, September 4th
5pm -7pm

This relief effort is made possible with support from Councilwomen Linda Barnes-Caldwell and Mary Brown, Commissioner Kyle Allen, and Clerk Mike Brown.

For more information, please contact Council President Linda Barnes-Caldwell at [email protected].

Together, we can make a difference! 💙

08/29/2026

FEMA INTAKE CENTERS, HELP IS HERE, LAKE COUNTY!
APPLY ONLINE 24/7 - www.DisasterAssistance.gov

FEMA Intake Centers are being set up to help Lake County residents with uninsured or underinsured home damage apply for FEMA assistance more quickly.

WE CAN HELP YOU:
◦ Start your FEMA application
◦ Check your application status
◦ Get answers to your questions

WHO CAN APPLY?
◦ Lake County residents with uninsured or underinsured home damage.

WHAT TO BRING:
◦ Photo ID
◦ Proof of address
◦ Insurance information (if available)
◦ Photos of damage
◦ Bank account information for direct deposit (optional)

08/28/2026

08/27/2026

FREE COMMUNITY LAUNDRY DAY!

We know many families in our community have been impacted by recent power outages and storm-related challenges. To help ease the burden, Community Laundry Day will provide FREE laundry services for residents in need.

Tuesday, September 1 from 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Blast Laundromat 877 S. Lake St., Suite A, Gary, IN

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Space is limited, and residents must register for a time slot in advance. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register.
https://signup.com/go/jhFGyxm

Hosted by Lori Latham, 1st District Councilwoman, and made possible through the generous support of our community sponsors.

Please share this information with neighbors, family members, seniors, and anyone who may benefit. When our community faces difficult times, we show up for one another.

08/25/2026

Power Restoration Updates

Current Outages: Outages down from over 14,500 to 8,461.

Boots on the Ground: Through pressure and coordination, there is now a workforce of over 1,000 utility personnel in Gary, including 700 linemen and ComEd crews.

The Goal: NIPSCO's target is August 25th, but we are pressing them relentlessly to beat that deadline.

Action Item: If your power is still out, text ‘OUT’ to 444111.

Citywide Cleanup & Local Jobs

Massive Debris Removal: Official citywide debris pickup begins Tuesday, managed by AshBritt under strict FEMA guidelines. Crews will start at opposite ends of the city and work their way inward.

How to Prepare: Residents must separate curbside debris into distinct piles: vegetation (branches/limbs) and construction damage (shingles/fencing). Take photos before it gets picked up.

Local Hiring: Thompson Consulting is actively hiring Gary residents as Debris Monitors to track the cleanup trucks. You need to be 18, have a valid ID, a car, and a smartphone.
Apply on Indeed today.

Financial Relief & Immediate Resources
Permit Fees Waived: Mayor Melton signed Executive Order 2026-04, completely waiving city building permit fees for storm-related electrical, plumbing, or roofing repairs through September 20.

Weatherhead Repairs: If your home's electrical connection was torn down, NIPSCO cannot turn your power back on. The Legacy Foundation is offering repair assistance (legacyfdn.org/individual-assistance or call 219-736-1880).

Shelters & Food: All Gary Public Libraries are open as cooling and charging stations. Three daily meals are now being served at the City Life Center (225 W. 5th Ave.).
Documenting Damage & Avoiding Scams

Reporting Protocol: Take photos of everything. File with your insurance first. Then, report your remaining damage to Indiana 211 (IN211.org) to help our city qualify for State Disaster Relief Funds. Keep all your receipts.

Community Generosity: We are deeply grateful to the Hard Rock Casino, Glenn Robinson, Deniece Williams, Keion Henderson, Pastor Jamal Bryant, Freddie Gibbs, and Darius Garland for stepping up with generous donations for our recovery.

Donate: Only donate through verified links like gary.gov/stormrecovery, and only hire licensed contractors (the city is expediting 30-day licenses for qualified out-of-town help).