Governor Bill Lee has announced the Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program, establishing a $100 million fund to aid Tennesseans affected by Hurricane Helene. The program targets counties including Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington.
“Hurricane Helene was an unprecedented disaster for Tennessee,” said Governor Lee. “Federal dollars will be available later, but these communities need immediate relief.”
The HEAL Program allocates $35 million to address water and wastewater system damage in eligible counties. Another $65 million will be used for debris removal in economically at-risk and distressed counties. Counties can opt-in for no-interest loans funded by TennCare Shared Savings. Funds will be distributed by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).
In addition to state efforts, the U.S. Department of Labor is offering Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for individuals whose employment has been affected by the hurricane.
An expedited Major Disaster Declaration has been granted for eight counties: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington. Damage assessments are ongoing.
Donation centers have been set up in affected areas. Information on these centers is available on TEMA’s website.
Earlier this month, Governor Lee declared a major disaster and state of emergency due to severe weather from Hurricane Helene’s remnants. The declaration waives certain state regulations to assist with disaster relief efforts and remains effective until November 10.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency continues to update information regarding recovery efforts.
Business owners impacted by the storm are advised to contact their insurance companies promptly and prepare detailed inventories of damaged property to expedite claims processing.
Tennesseans are also warned about potential scams related to disaster relief. Attorney General Skrmetti emphasized vigilance against fraud: “Price gouging and scamming vulnerable people after disasters is not only repulsive; it’s illegal.”
