Hurricane Helene victims in 14 East Tennessee counties can now apply for new USDA funds for home repairs and replacements through Clinch-Powell’s facilitation.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A new program has been announced to fund repairs and replacements of homes damaged by historic flooding from Hurricane Helene.
Clinch-Powell RC&D has been designated as a packager for two new USDA programs aimed at helping East Tennesseans whose homes were affected by the storm damage.
“USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Disaster Assistance Fund Home Repair Grant Program and 502 Home Replacement Program are intended to help those whose homes were damaged, severely damaged or destroyed,” the release said.
Clinch-Powell will facilitate applications for the grants or loans in 14 East Tennessee counties, which can be found below.
- Carter
- Claiborne
- Cocke
- Grainger
- Greene
- Hamblen
- Hancock
- Hawkins
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Sevier
- Sullivan
- Unicoi
- Washington
In order to be eligible for the home repair program, applicants must meet a few requirements, including being 18 years old or older, owning and occupying the home and being able to provide a document of ownership. They must also have income that does not exceed the applicable low-income limit based on household size and county.
The property also has to be located within a Rural Development Single Family Housing rural area, and the property must have sustained damage as a result of Hurricane Helene.
“The maximum grant assistance available for the Home Repair Grant is $44,000,” the release said. “The funds may be used for disaster-related home repair expenses incurred prior to application, as long as the needed repair was caused directly or indirectly by Helene.’
It also said that materials costs may be paid to the contractor upon receipt of a paid invoice, or directly to the supplier before site delivery.
The release said repair costs that have been paid out of pocket may be reimbursed with proof of costs, such as necessary receipts. Grant funds may not be awarded if other sources, such as insurance or FEMA, have provided funding for the same need resulting from the disaster.
“To be eligible, applicants’ income must not exceed the low-income limit based on household size and county, and they must seek housing within one of the 14 disaster counties,” according to the release.
Washington County includes ineligible areas, and it is recommended that applicants check this link for designated rural areas.
To apply for home repair or home replacement funding, contact Hollie Sartin at Clinch-Powell’s Newport office at 423-720-1956 or [email protected].