One Week Without Power: Indiana Communities Struggle to Recover A week of relentless storms has left northwest Indiana communities grappling with the aftermath of prolonged power outages, damaged infrastructure, and a desperate need for food, water, and shelter. As residents continue to recover, local officials and food banks are working tirelessly to meet the overwhelming demand, but many are running out of supplies and resources. The crisis has exposed the fragility of emergency preparedness in the region, with families facing challenges ranging from spoiled food to the inability to restore basic utilities. In Gary, a mobile food pantry at West Side Leadership Academy became overwhelmed by demand, serving approximately 150 people before exhausting its stock. Gary Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes described the situation as a critical moment of support for families affected by the storms. "This is not our first time doing this. We have a partnership and we have been doing this since May," Stokes said. "But it was real important that we made sure we were able to support today because of what's going on with the storm and the aftermath." The school district also distributed about 700 grab-and-go lunches over two days, but without electricity, non-refrigerated food had to be discarded, and the remaining supplies were donated to a neighboring food bank. Stokes emphasized that families are still seeking help with food, clothing, and shelter, while the school building itself faces significant damage, including fallen trees, water leaks, and unsafe conditions that delay its reopening. The impact extends far beyond Gary.#indiana #gary #lake_station #hobart #west_side_leadership_academy
