FEMA releases final edition of Helene recovery update
TRI-CITIES (WJHL) — After six months, FEMA released the final edition of its recovery update for Hurricane Helene in Tennessee on Friday.
The update contains information regarding recovery efforts in the following counties:
Greene
Hamblen
Hawkins
Johnson
Unicoi
Washington, TN
Cocke
FEMA Individuals and Households Program
FEMA has approved over $30.9 million in federal assistance for 7,319 individuals and households in Tennessee. This includes more than $17 million allocated for housing assistance, which encompasses:
367 households that received a total of $718,104 in rental assistance.
Over $14 million designated for other needs.
Applicants with Disabilities
FEMA customer service teams are calling applicants with disabilities to provide personal assistance as part of the agency's commitment to ensuring disaster recovery resources are available to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene.
Mobile coffee trailer raising funds for hurricane recovery
National Flood Insurance Program
The National Flood Insurance Program has paid out $14.5 million and completed 96.4% of submitted claims.
Flood survivors who received funds from FEMA's Individuals and Households Program are required to purchase and maintain flood insurance. This is for protection against future financial devastation after a flood. Learn more at Meeting FEMA's Federal Flood Insurance Requirement | FEMA.gov.
Continued Temporary Housing Assistance
If you received two months of FEMA rental assistance after Hurricane Helene and need more time to plan your recovery, you may be eligible for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance.
Understanding Your FEMA Letter
If your FEMA decision letter says you are ineligible for assistance, it may not be a denial. Often, you only need to send more information or documentation to support your application. Learn more about Understanding FEMA's Eligibility Decision | FEMA.gov and Helpful Tips to Appeal a FEMA Decision | FEMA.gov
Permits
If your home was damaged by Hurricane Helene, contact your community's local building and permitting departments before starting demolition and repairs. Visit Permits Required Before Rebuilding | FEMA.gov.
Privately Owned Roads and Bridges
If your privately owned road or bridge was damaged or destroyed by Helene, FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration may provide financial assistance for replacement or repairs. Visit Privately Owned Roads and Bridges | FEMA.gov.
FEMA is Still Here to Help Tennessee Survivors
FEMA urges survivors to stay in touch. For more information, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app for mobile devices, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight ET seven days a week, and specialists speak many languages.
For the latest information about Tennessee's recovery, visit tn.gov/tema or fema.gov/helene/tennessee.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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