Yolanda Ojeda, 65, has been dealing with a lack of electricity at her Locust Avenue home in Gary since August 11. Despite having a generator, she discovered it was inoperable when the power failed. “It wouldn’t start,” she lamented, recalling how she had transported it up the stairs. Ojeda, who works long shifts at Cleveland-Cliffs in East Chicago, faces additional challenges. She returns home late to darkness, struggling with navigation due to non-functional traffic lights. “I can’t navigate at night without streetlights,” she explained. Power lines obstructing the roads force her to drive cautiously.
The residents of Gary and neighboring cities have not had electricity since August 11, with no definite restoration time from NIPSCO. Cities like Hammond, East Chicago, and others face similar uncertainty. The utility’s website states that areas not listed are still under assessment. As of Tuesday afternoon, 26,836 residents in Gary were without power. A fallen tree from her neighbor’s yard caused a power line to drop in Ojeda’s yard, yet repair work from NIPSCO remains unseen. Despite this, Ojeda remains hopeful, grateful for her home and safety. “I feel blessed that I’m alive,” she shared.
NIPSCO has stated that 95,161 customers across its service area remain powerless. The company reports mobilizing their own crews alongside mutual aid personnel, contractors, and even the Indiana National Guard. They aim to restore power quickly but face challenges due to extensive damage. “Restoration priorities consider system needs and safety,” they noted, prioritizing areas where the most customers can be served efficiently.
Ollicia England, 43, residing on East Fifth Avenue, also awaits power restoration. Her aunt, dependent on a heart monitor, needed a generator, costing her $400 as opposed to England’s $700 expenditure. England expressed concern for elderly neighbors enduring discomfort without power. “It’s bad for them,” she said.
Neighbor Moses Kearney, 54, similarly purchased a generator, spending $500. He incurs high daily expenses for gas and food with no means to cook at home. “In Gary, expenses are adding up, and I’m mad,” Kearney said, frustrated with Gary’s slower restoration compared to areas like Rensselaer.
Derek Zugic, 44, has multiple properties in Gary’s Miller neighborhood facing powerlessness since August 11. Despite having generators, the situation is taxing. “Old trees on the wires made us expect this,” Zugic mentioned. He anticipates weeks until full restoration and appreciates the linemen’s efforts, although he believes maintenance could have prevented some issues.
Food resources are stretched thin as well. The Calumet Township Trustee’s Office has depleted its emergency food voucher support, having assisted 773 residents. They acknowledged the immense need and their limits, urging residents to contact local officials for additional resources. Efforts will persist as new resources become available.
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is organizing several Mobile Markets to support those in need. Scheduled markets include events at Living Hope Church and Portage High School. Additional events will be communicated through their Facebook page.
Gary Community Schools is also involved in food distribution. Events are planned at The Salvation Army Gary-Merrillville Corps and the Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center among other locations.
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