When hurricanes like Helene and Milton strike, the aftermath can be overwhelming for residents, businesses, and governments alike. The storms’ devastation often requires a rapid mobilization of resources and financial assistance to help communities recover. This article outlines the resources and funding available in Tennessee (TN), North Carolina (NC), South Carolina (SC), Georgia (GA), and Florida (FL) for those affected by these hurricanes. As part of Foreclosurepedia’s commitment to ensuring free access and assistance during disasters, we are providing this article free of charge!

1. Federal Resources and Assistance Programs

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) FEMA is the primary federal agency providing disaster relief in the United States. After a hurricane, FEMA assists individuals and businesses with temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses. Key programs include:

• Individual Assistance (IA): Provides financial help or direct services to those impacted by the hurricane, such as temporary housing, home repairs, and medical costs.
• Public Assistance (PA): Available to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as certain nonprofits, to help repair infrastructure like roads, bridges, and public buildings.
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): Helps communities minimize future risks by funding projects that reduce disaster vulnerability, like storm-resistant structures or flood defenses.

How to Apply: Those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton can apply through the FEMA website or by calling their helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans In addition to FEMA, the SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes. These loans can be used for repairs, replacement of damaged property, or economic injury relief to help businesses continue operating.

• Home Disaster Loans: Up to $200,000 for repairing or replacing a primary residence.
• Business Physical Disaster Loans: Up to $2 million for businesses and nonprofits to repair or replace real estate, equipment, or inventory.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Available to small businesses suffering from a temporary loss of revenue due to the hurricanes.

2. State-Level Resources and Funding

Tennessee (TN) In Tennessee, residents affected by hurricanes can seek aid from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). TEMA coordinates with FEMA and local governments to provide assistance through grants and local resources. Financial relief may also be available through:

• Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA): Offers emergency housing assistance and can connect residents to affordable housing options during rebuilding.
• Tennessee Department of Agriculture: Offers grants and support to farmers whose crops and equipment were damaged by hurricane-related flooding or high winds.

North Carolina (NC) The North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) and its Division of Emergency Management (NCEM) offer financial relief to communities in need. Some state-specific programs include:

• NC Disaster Recovery Fund: Created to support individuals and families whose needs are not fully covered by FEMA or other programs.
• NC Rebuild Program: Provides resources for repairing homes that have been damaged by hurricanes, including rebuilding to new safety standards.

South Carolina (SC) South Carolina’s Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) works with FEMA and the Department of Insurance to provide assistance to individuals and businesses:

• SC Hurricane Recovery Program: Offers grants for housing repairs, rental assistance, and debris removal in hurricane-affected areas.
• SC Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA): Supports local governments in rural areas impacted by hurricanes, providing grants to restore public infrastructure like water systems and drainage.

Georgia (GA) The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) oversees disaster relief for communities impacted by hurricanes. Residents can apply for:

• Georgia Disaster Recovery and Resiliency Program: Offers grants and funding to help rebuild homes and businesses, as well as to restore community infrastructure.
• Georgia Farm Bureau: Provides disaster assistance to farmers, including crop insurance and support for recovery from agricultural losses caused by hurricanes.

Florida (FL) Florida, being particularly hurricane-prone, has a robust set of programs for disaster recovery:

• Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM): Coordinates relief efforts in partnership with FEMA, offering a variety of financial and logistical support for rebuilding efforts.
• Rebuild Florida: Provides long-term assistance to individuals and communities recovering from hurricanes. This program focuses on housing repair, reconstruction, and mitigation measures to protect homes from future storms.
• Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program: Offers short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses impacted by hurricanes to help them recover quickly.

3. Nonprofit and Community-Based Resources

The American Red Cross The Red Cross provides immediate relief to hurricane victims, including shelter, food, and health services. They also offer cash grants to help individuals with urgent needs like temporary housing or replacing lost items.

United Way United Way chapters in each state work closely with local governments and FEMA to provide grants, temporary shelter, and access to recovery programs. The 211 service helps connect residents with local resources, including food banks, mental health services, and job assistance programs.

Habitat for Humanity This organization focuses on helping low-income families rebuild or repair homes damaged by hurricanes. They offer low-cost loans and volunteer-based construction assistance, making the rebuilding process more affordable.

4. Insurance Assistance

Homeowners and businesses affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton should review their insurance policies to see what is covered. Most standard homeowners’ policies do not cover flood damage, but flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In some states, special hurricane deductibles may apply, so it’s important to work with your insurance provider to understand the terms of your coverage.

Conclusion

Recovering from hurricanes like Helene and Milton requires a coordinated effort between federal, state, and local agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations. Residents in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida can access a variety of resources, including financial assistance for home repairs, business recovery loans, and infrastructure rebuilding grants. With the right combination of support, individuals, communities, and businesses can begin the process of recovery and rebuilding.

Hurricane Helene has swept throughout the Southeast, leaving a trail of damage and prompting the need for disaster inspections. For property inspectors, this situation presents a significant opportunity to earn $25 per inspection by evaluating affected properties and documenting the state of homeowners’ insurance coverage, structural condition, and overall property integrity. These inspections are provided to insurance adjusters in order to provide accurate claims filings. For those wishing to develop their own pools of addresses, it is first come, first served. Later this month there will be targeted address lists available.

For Hurricane Helene inspections, there are specific requirements that must be followed to ensure compliance and thoroughness. The inspection involves documenting the homeowner’s insurance information, taking detailed interior and exterior photos, and ensuring that all visual data is complete and properly labeled.

Here’s what’s expected:

Homeowner’s Insurance Declaration Page

You will need to photograph the homeowner’s declaration page of their insurance policy. Ensure the photo clearly shows all policy details, including the insurance company’s name, the policyholder’s information, and coverage limits. This step is essential to verify that the homeowner has active insurance and to confirm coverage details related to storm damage.

Exterior Photos

Take comprehensive photos of the entire property exterior, including the front, sides, and rear of the house. Make sure to get clear shots of the roof from different angles to document any potential damage such as missing shingles, leaks, or holes. Capture images of the mailbox with the property address visible and/or any other address markers to confirm the location.

Interior Photos

Each room inside the property needs to be documented. This includes living areas, bedrooms, dining rooms, and hallways. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, as these areas often contain plumbing elements susceptible to hidden damage. Make sure to get close-up photos under sinks, around baseboards, and in corners where water damage may be less obvious.

Mechanical Systems and Utilities

Photograph HVAC systems, water heaters, fuse boxes, and other mechanical components to show their condition, post-storm. Include utility meters (gas, electric, and water) to capture whether services are still active and to document any visible damage.

Additional Points of Interest

If there are outbuildings, fences, pools, or garages, be sure to photograph these as well. Take note of any downed trees, broken fences, or other major exterior issues that could be relevant for insurance purposes.

Roof and Attic Documentation

If accessible, photograph the attic and any roofing structure damage visible from inside. Ensure that roof inspections capture the entire surface area, looking for signs of uplift, punctures, or water entry points.

Payment and Reporting

Each completed inspection pays $25. Payment is typically processed within 15 days of report submission, assuming that all required documentation and images are complete and meet quality standards. All reports should be submitted through the specified platform, with clear file labeling and organization for ease of review.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re interested in taking on these inspections, ensure that you’re registered with the appropriate inspection platform, have your gear ready, and are prepared to be contacted on short notice. Hurricane recovery is a fast-moving field, and the sooner you can get started, the more opportunities you’ll have to complete inspections and help homeowners navigate their next steps.