Elizabethton Welcomes FEMA Officials to Support Flood Recovery Efforts
In a delightful display of community resilience and support, Elizabethton is stepping up to aid its residents following last week’s flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. On October 11, 2024, federal and state officials made a prominent visit to a newly established facility set to bolster the recovery process—the Multi-Agency Resource Center.
Strong Leadership for Recovery
Leading the way was Eric Hooks, the Deputy Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). With extensive experience overseeing around 20,000 staff and managing a hefty $30 billion budget, Hooks emphasized the significance of their presence in Elizabethton. Joining him was Todd Jones, the East Regional Director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. Together, they reached out to local residents, showcasing a commitment to deliver vital assistance as the community navigates the aftermath of the recent disaster.
A Hub for Resources
The Multi-Agency Resource Center, conveniently located at 1749 Highway 19E, is proving to be a beacon of hope for those affected by the floods. This facility is packed with resources from various agencies, including:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Department of Human Services
- Department of Veterans Services
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
- Department of Labor (Unemployment Benefits, Workforce Development)
- American Red Cross
- Appalachian Regional Coalition of Homelessness
- Department of Commerce and Insurance
- Department of Children Services
- Housing Development Agency
What’s even better is that all services offered at this center are free of charge, ensuring that every community member can access the help they need during this challenging time.
Visiting Hours
The center is open from Monday to Saturday, operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offering more flexible hours on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.. This wide range of hours is designed to accommodate residents’ busy schedules as they seek assistance.
Additional Support in Johnson County
As part of their commitment to outreach, FEMA representatives have also set up shop in Johnson County to assist residents with their applications. From October 11, 2024, folks can find FEMA officials right in front of the Johnson County Courthouse at 222 W. Main Street, Mountain City. These representatives will be available from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., making it easy for locals to get the help they need.
A Community Together
The remarkable response from federal and state officials demonstrates how important it is for communities like Elizabethton to come together in tough times. With the establishment of resource centers and dedicated representatives, the heartwarming camaraderie among agencies is a wonderful reminder of how essential community support can be. Together, they are working diligently to ensure that every resident can return to normalcy.
As Elizabethton continues to recover, the multi-agency collaboration confirms that in the face of adversity, the community can lean on each other and rally support from a robust network of dedicated professionals.
