Elizabethton Residents Urged to Access Disaster Assistance Resources Following Hurricane Helene

Elizabethton Residents: Important Disaster Assistance Updates!

Hello, Elizabethton! If you’re still feeling the sting from Hurricane Helene and the severe weather it brought, we’ve got some important news to share that could help you get back on your feet.

Disaster Assistance Resources Just a Tap Away

Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby is giving us a friendly heads-up about the resources available to assist those affected by the storm. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in!

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) Are Open!

For anyone needing to access aid, the Disaster Recovery Centers are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can find assistance and information at multiple locations throughout the county.

Need some help covering expenses that your insurance won’t touch? FEMA is here to help! They offer funding for all sorts of disaster-related expenses, including:

• Housing displacement
• Child care costs
• Transportation needs
• Personal property repairs
• Medical expenses

The deadline to apply for these programs is January 7, 2025. Don’t miss out! Interested individuals can apply through DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 for more information.

Keeping Our Streets Clean

Carter County has also initiated debris pickup in storm-affected areas. To help things go smoothly, residents are asked to pile debris to the right-of-way (that’s about 10 feet from the road) and skip using trash bags for this. If you need assistance, just shoot an email to debris@cartercountytn.gov, and they’ll lend a helping hand.

Your Health Matters!

And while we’re getting things back in shape, don’t forget about your health! The Carter County Health Department is offering free Tdap, Hepatitis A, and flu vaccines. You can walk in without an appointment from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day at their location at 400 E. G St., Elizabethton. Have questions? Give the Citizen Information Hotline a call at 423-979-4689.

Legal Help Is Here!

If the storm left you needing legal advice, good news! There are free legal services available for low-income residents affected by the disaster. Simply call 844-HELP4TN (844-435-7486) for assistance and start piecing your life back together.

Stay Informed!

For more detailed information, head over to Carter County’s official website at cartercountytn.gov. Staying updated is key when navigating this recovery journey.

A Community Coming Together

As Elizabethton residents, we know how to look out for one another, and that’s exactly what we’re doing during this challenging time. Keep reaching out, helping a neighbor, and utilizing these resources provided by our county. Remember, recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and we’re all in this together!

Stay safe, stay strong, and keep your spirits high, Elizabethton!