INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) Hundreds of Anderson families hit by this months flooding could soon receive immediate financial help.The city is setting aside $600,000 while the community waits for a decision on federal disaster aid.Ander son Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr. said the money serves as a stopgap for basic needs while families clean up and wait for more assistance.On Milton Avenue, one of the streets hit hardest by the flooding, the cleanup continues. For homeowner Rhonda Sanders, that effort includes clearing a basement filled with water. Some of her neighbors dealt with flooding 7 to 8 feet deep. She said the cleanup has kept her street busy.It's been tough. My mother is an elder and I'm taking care of her, so I'm cleaning up a lot of stuff. She wants to help but with her health, i'm just like 'no mom, just relax, Sanders said.Now, more help is arriving. The City of Anderson is earmarking $600,000 to provide $1,000 each to households significantly affected by the flood.The city has identified more than 500 affected homes so far. Officials are setting aside enough money for up to 600 households in case some were missed during the first check.This is a very, very, very small amount of money. It's not going to come close to making people whole. It's not intended for that. We're estimating, and it's very much just a rough estimate that in our community alone we probably have $50 million in damages associated with people's properties, Broderick said.The application for funds is expected to be available as early as Thursday. The mayor said the one-page form has no income requirement or proof of damage.Our hope for a turnaround time is about five days maximum to be able to get the money to those folks, and that'll be by check, Broderick said.The state requested a federal disaster status from the president, which could provide additional FEMA assistance. The city sent its damage assessment to the state to support that request.Didn't have any loss of life. We didn't have any serious injuries that I know of, so we feel very fortunate about that. But, our hearts break for the folks that were impacted, Broderick said.Back on Milton Avenue, Sanders said $1,000 won't erase what the flood took, but it will help with the next steps. For now, she is happy with the community's support.A lot of people have been coming together. Making sure that each person is okay. If they're leaving their house we tend to stick together and watch the house so no body will come and loot their house and stuff like that, Sanders said. ...read more read less