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Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby has released the weekly update on disaster assistance resources for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene and related severe weather. The update includes important deadlines, state and federal assistance programs, housing repair resources, and community services.

Approaching Deadlines

• Saturday, Nov. 30: SNAP Hot Foods Waiver (Details available on the Tennessee Department of Human Services website.)
• Monday, Dec. 2:
  • FEMA Direct Temporary Housing (Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 for more information.)
  • SBA Disaster Loans for Businesses and Nonprofits (Visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955 for details.)
• Tuesday, Dec. 31: Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (More details available online.)
• Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025: FEMA Disaster Assistance Application Deadline (Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 for more information.)

Disaster Resource Centers

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the following locations:

• Carter County: Betsytowne Center, 1749 Highway 19E, Elizabethton
• Cocke County: Cocke County Recreation Department, 466 Learning Way, Newport
• Greene County: Greene County Courthouse Annex, 204 North Cutler St., Greeneville
• Hamblen County: Utility Commission Conference Center, 441 Main St., Morristown
• Johnson County: National Guard Armory, 1923 S. Shady St., Mountain City
• Unicoi County: National Guard Armory, 615 S. Main Ave., Erwin
• Washington County: Cherry Grove Baptist Church, 104 Cherry Grove Road, Jonesborough

FEMA’s “Other Needs Assistance”

FEMA provides funding for disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. Assistance is available for housing displacement, child care, transportation, personal property repair, medical needs, and more. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 7, 2025.

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 for more information.

Housing Repair Programs

• Holston Habitat for Humanity: Offers repairs for flood-damaged homes. Applications are available at holstonhabitat.org/home-repair or by calling 423-239-7689.
• Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Disaster Reconstruction Funds: Provides grants up to $20,000 for homeowners and $10,000 for renters. Visit fhlbcin.com for eligibility requirements.

Debris Cleanup

Carter County is conducting debris pickup for storm-affected areas. Residents should move debris to the right-of-way (10 feet from the edge of the road) and avoid using trash bags. For assistance, email debris@cartercountytn.gov.

Business and Employment Resources

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Available for individuals impacted by the disaster. Visit tn.gov/workforce for details.
• Tennessee CAREs Program: Offers temporary jobs and labor cost support for affected businesses. Call 423-928-0224 for more information.

Health and Safety Updates

Free Tdap, Hepatitis A, and flu vaccines are available at the Carter County Health Department, 400 E. G St., Elizabethton. Walk-ins are welcome from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

For questions, call the Citizen Information Hotline at 423-979-4689.

Legal Assistance

Free legal services are available for low-income residents affected by the disaster. Call 844-HELP4TN (844-435-7486) for assistance.

For additional details, visit Carter County’s official website at cartercountytn.gov.