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Carter County officials have issued an updated list of disaster recovery resources and upcoming deadlines for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene during the week of Jan. 6, 2025.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Updates

Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance
Residents in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties must apply for FEMA Individual Assistance by Tuesday, Jan. 7. Applications can be made online at www.disasterassistance.gov, on the FEMA app, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or in person at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library.

Childcare and Housing Assistance
FEMA offers childcare assistance up to $200 per child per week for eight weeks and direct temporary housing assistance to eligible households.

Additional Support Available
FEMA provides help with vehicle repairs, personal property losses, moving and storage expenses, and replacement of tools for farmers and ranchers.

FEMA Assistance by the Numbers
As of Jan. 2, FEMA has provided $4,876,394.19 to Carter County residents through its Individuals and Households Program, including housing assistance and other needs assistance.

Local Relief Efforts

Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center
The Disaster Relief Center at Bristol Motor Speedway will remain open through Jan. 17. Supplies, including water, cleaning items, and heaters, are available for local organizations. Contact Amanda Delp at 423-914-3181 for requests.

Warming Stations
Pastor Brandon Young has partnered with two local churches to open warming stations when temperatures or wind chills drop below 25°F:

• Deliverance Church of God, 406 First Ave., Hampton
• Doe River Baptist, 113 Avon Ave., Elizabethton

Final Debris Removal
Carter County’s final debris removal will conclude on Monday, Jan. 13. Email debris@cartercountytn.gov with pickup requests.

Important Contacts and Resources

• Carter County Government: cartercountytn.gov
• FEMA: fema.gov/helene/tennessee
• Elizabethton/Carter County EMA: facebook.com/CartercountytnEMA
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these resources and apply for assistance before the upcoming deadlines. For more information, visit fema.gov or contact the Carter County Emergency Management Agency.