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NASHVILLE – FEMA continues to assist survivors in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties as they recover from Tropical Storm Helene.

Document Processing Centers
Document Processing Centers are open in Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi counties. Survivors can visit a center to submit documents, follow up on applications, and file appeals. New applications will only be accepted with a qualifying reason. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Centers are closed on weekends and during severe weather.

Locations:

• Carter County: Carter County Public Library, 201 N. Sycamore St., Elizabethton
• Johnson County: Tennessee National Guard Armory, 1923 S. Shady St., Mountain City
• Unicoi County: National Guard Armory/Unicoi EOC, 615 S. Main Ave., Erwin

Stay in Touch with FEMA
FEMA Individual Assistance specialists are contacting survivors to follow up on their applications. Calls may request important documents or provide clarification on assistance eligibility. It is crucial to keep your address and contact information updated.

You can contact FEMA, update your information, or check the status of applications in three ways:

• Log in to your account at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Use the FEMA mobile app.
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to midnight ET daily. Multilingual specialists are available. Relay service users can provide their service number to FEMA.

Missed the Application Deadline?
FEMA allows late applications with proper justification. Requests can be made in writing or by calling 800-621-3362. Late applications will be accepted for 60 additional days.

Repair and Rebuilding Advice
FEMA mitigation specialists are offering free tips on repairing and rebuilding damaged properties. Assistance is available through Saturday, Jan. 18, at these locations:

• Greene County: Lowe’s Home Improvement, 2375 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy., Greeneville
• Washington County: Lowe’s Home Improvement, 1498 E. Jackson Blvd., Jonesborough

Hours:

• Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

Housing Assistance
FEMA and the State of Tennessee are providing safe, functional housing solutions for survivors. Temporary housing assistance may be available for up to 18 months, through April 2026, for survivors in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties. For details, visit FEMA’s website.

U.S. Small Business Administration Assistance
The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster, or call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.

• Physical property damage deadline: March 9
• Economic injury deadline: June 30

Disaster Legal Services
Free legal services are available for Tennesseans unable to afford an attorney for disaster-related issues. Call 844-HELP4TN (844-435-7486) to leave a message at any time.

For the latest recovery information, visit tn.gov/tema or fema.gov/helene/tennessee. Follow @FEMARegion4 on X or FEMA on social media:

• FEMA Blog at fema.gov
• @FEMA and @FEMAEspanol on X
• FEMA and FEMA Espanol on Facebook
• @FEMA on Instagram
• FEMA on YouTube
• Administrator Deanne Criswell on X: @FEMA_Deanne