Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Resources
As Smyth County recovers from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, SCPL will assist by sharing information about potential sources of assistance. SCPL staff in all three locations are also available to assist residents to complete forms and upload photos and other necessary documentation.
FEMA — Federal Emergency Management Agency
Important note: The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Dec. 2, 2024.
- Disaster Recovery Center Open in Marion — located at 230 S. Park St.; open Mon-Sat 8 a.m to 6 p.m.
- October 2 Announcement of Assistance for Virginia — Describes different methods of application and the types of expenses covered
- Virginia Tropical Storm Helene Summary Page
- 7 Things to Know about Applying for Disaster Assistance
- Individual Assistance Application
- People with Disabilities
- Advice for Saving Family Treasures
USDA — U.S. Department of Agriculture and Related Organizations
- Emergency Conservation Program will start on October 15 to help with fence repair/replacement, debris removal, and grading/shaping to restore crop fields. Take pictures now of damage and record expenses including materials, labor, and equipment. Producers can contact M. Wayne Harless, County Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency in Abingdon at 276-525-6680 or by e-mail at wayne.harless@usda.gov.
- USDA Disaster Assistance Programs — describes several programs for livestock, emergency conservation, and loan relief
- Virginia Farm Relief Fund — provides relief funds and/or supplies to assist agricultural producers to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene; also site for donations to the fund
- Virginia Cooperative Extension Hurricane Helene Resource Page — list of agriculture-related information
- Virginia Cooperative Extension Agriculture Needs Survey — Survey form to collect information on the post-disaster needs of Southwest Virginia famers
- Farmers.gov Smyth County Dashboard — provides information about USDA service centers and other Smyth County Data
SBA — Small Business Administration
- Disaster Loans — describes different types of loans available to small business owners or homeowners
- SBA has opened a business recovery center in Abingdon at 851 French Moore Jr. Blvd and is open Mon-Sat 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Smyth County Chamber of Commerce
- Hurricane Helene Relief Page — comprehensive list of local resources and links to government programs; coordinating volunteers to respond to requests for assistance
FCC — Federal Communications Commission
- Lifeline Disaster Assistance Program –– monthly discounts for cell or internet plan for individuals receiving FEMA assistance
Veterans
- Disaster Assistance for Veterans — comprehensive list of programs to support veterans
VDEM — Virginia Department of Emergency Management
VDH — Virginia Department of Health
Other
- Meade Tractor Crisis Response
- Cleanup hotline for Hurricane Helene 1-844-965-1386 — matches volunteers with requests for assistance
- Disaster Distress Helpline — call or text 1-800-985-5990
- VDOT Road Problem Report Form
- Avoid Scams — tips from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation on rebuilding with licensed contractors, includes link to verify licenses
Donate
- Smyth County Disaster Fund — organized by the Smyth County Community Foundation
- United Way 2024 Southwest Virginia Disaster Relief Fund
