The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for East Tennesseans affected by flooding from Helene.
The assistance was approved for homeowners and renters who had major or significant structural damage as a result of floodwaters, according to FEMA.
It will provide temporary housing for 18 months, ending on April 2, 2026. Additionally, it covers direct lease, multifamily lease and repair, and transportable temporary housing units.
For direct lease, FEMA said it leases existing, ready-to-occupy residential properties for use as temporary housing.
Under multifamily lease and repair, FEMA funds the repair or improvement of existing, vacant multi-family rental properties that eligible applicants can use for temporary housing.
Additionally, FEMA will also contact homeowners to determine if they would like a transportable temporary housing unit, which are furnished one-, two- or three-bedroom units provided at no cost to eligible survivors.
If needed, these units can also be modified or improved to be compliant with the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing accessibility for individuals with disabilities or access and functional needs.
Preliminary data from TEMA estimates that between 346 and 414 applicants may be eligible for FEMA direct housing.
Those looking to apply must live in one of the following counties:
- Carter
- Cocke
- Greene
- Johnson
- Unicoi
- Washington
Additionally, assessments are still ongoing for Hamblen and Hawkins counties.
Applicants must first apply for FEMA Individual Assistance before Monday, Dec. 2 to be eligible for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance.
To apply,https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ , call 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center.
Story courtesy of WVLT
