The Aug. 11 storm that knocked out power for more than 38,000 Gary utility customers for two to three weeks is behind us. But many residents are still recovering from the toll, including physical, mental, and economic damage, and need help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA coordinates the federal government’s response to natural […]
Community
Posted inCommunity, Events
Where to Get Free Food in Gary and Northwest Indiana This October
Many families these days are navigating rising food costs. In response, churches, schools, and nonprofit organizations across Northwest Indiana will host dozens of free food distributions throughout October. The distributions come as changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and the aftermath of the Aug. 11 storms continue to affect households across Indiana. […]
Posted inCommunity
A Look Inside Gary’s New $50 Million YMCA
Photos by Javonte AndersonVideo produced by Kuwilileni Hauwanga and Rayonna Burton-Jernigan The Tolleston neighborhood welcomed a new community hub Monday, when Gary’s new YMCA campus opened its doors, offering financial, health, and childcare services. Located at 1771 Taney Place, on the site of the former Tolleston Middle School, the facility is one of the few […]
Posted inCommunity
Gary Residents Have 4 Days Left to Get FEMA Help in Person
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is in Gary, offering a one-stop shop for Northwest Indiana residents affected by the Aug. 11 storm. The recovery center is at McBride Hall in United Steelworkers Local 1014, 1301 Texas St., Gary. State and federal officials will be available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, Oct. 2. […]
Posted inBusiness, Community, Extreme Weather
How Gary Businesses Kept the Community Going Without Power
For James Hendricks, owner of Koney King and Cut Time Barbershop, two businesses in the Midtown area of Gary, Aug. 11 began like a typical business day. He opened both businesses and welcomed clients and customers. But within hours, the weather would take a turn and bring one of the worst days that Gary has […]
Posted inCommunity, Events
Where to Find Free Food in Northwest Indiana This September
Following the Aug. 11 storm that caused widespread damage across Northwest Indiana, including Gary, local organizations and nonprofits are hosting dozens of free food distributions and relief events throughout September. Below is a list of food distributions, disaster relief, and hot meals scheduled throughout September: Thursday, Sept. 10 Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center1900 W. 41st Ave., […]
Posted inCommunity, Extreme Weather, Politics & Policy, Utilities
Gary Residents Survived a Historic Blackout by Turning to One Another
It was a regular Tuesday for Adriana Harris. She had just left breakfast and stopped at a gas station on the way home when the sky went white. “It started pouring down, raining like crazy,” she said. “Everything turned white. The rain was so hard you couldn’t even see the pumps.” She and her boyfriend […]
Posted inCommunity, Politics & Policy, Youth
Gary’s $50 Million YMCA Project Brings Long-Awaited Investment to the West Side
One of Gary’s most anticipated developments is weeks away from opening its doors. City and regional leaders gathered Wednesday to celebrate the completion of the new 91,000-square-foot YMCA on the city’s west side. The $50 million investment will bring fitness, child care, and youth programs to the Tolleston neighborhood. Located at 1771 Taney Place, on […]
Posted inCommunity, Extreme Weather, Public Services, Utilities
Churches, a Lawsuit and the Governor Are Pressuring NIPSCO After Gary’s Blackout
As power slowly returns to homes and businesses in Gary and across Northwest Indiana, Black faith leaders and elected officials alike are turning their focus to restoration, accountability, and solutions for future weather events. Fewer than 2,500 NIPSCO customers in Gary remained without power as of Tuesday morning, but that is more than 70% of […]
Posted inCommunity, Extreme Weather
I Grew Up in Gary. I’ve Never Seen a Power Outage Like This.
I’ve experienced dozens of power outages growing up in Gary. But usually an outage had boundaries. A neighborhood, a section of a city, or maybe part of a county. You could drive a few miles and eventually find light again. But last Tuesday, as my wife and I drove through Merrillville, Hobart, and Portage in […]
