GRAINGER COUNTY – Disaster assistance funding is now available for eligible Grainger County homeowners who experienced weather-related damage during Hurricane Helene, providing additional financial relief for recovery efforts across the county.
The East Tennessee Development District has been awarded a $250,000 housing preservation grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist homeowners in six East Tennessee counties. The counties included in the funding area are Grainger County, Claiborne, Cocke, Hamblen, Jefferson and Sevier.
In addition to the regional housing preservation grant, individual homeowners may qualify for assistance through the USDA Section 504 program. This program offers grant funding of up to $44,000 for eligible homeowners age 18 and older who sustained storm-related damage as a result of Hurricane Helene.
The funding may be used to address repair needs that were not fully covered by previous disaster relief programs including assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or by homeowner’s insurance policies. The program is intended to help close remaining gaps in recovery efforts and support safe and habitable housing conditions.
Homeowners who paid for repairs out of pocket may also be eligible for reimbursement through the program provided they can supply receipts or documentation of the completed work. Eligible repairs may include structural safety or weather-related improvements tied directly to storm damage.
County officials encourage residents who believe they may qualify to explore the available options as funding is limited and applications are subject to eligibility requirements. Assistance is aimed at helping homeowners stabilize properties and continue long-term recovery following the storm.
For more information or guidance on the application process residents may contact Shane Carney housing and grants specialist with the East Tennessee Development District at 865-273-6003 extension 110.