Understanding Tennessee’s Public Assistance Program for Disaster Recovery

Disaster can strike Tennessee at any time. Severe weather, tornadoes, flooding, and earthquakes are just a few of the hazards that can disrupt lives and damage property. The Tennessee Department of Human Services’ (TDHS) Public Assistance Program is available to help eligible survivors recover from disasters.

The Public Assistance Program is a federal-state partnership that provides grants to eligible applicants, including local governments, certain private nonprofit organizations, and tribes, to help with the costs of disaster response and recovery. The program reimburses applicants for a portion of eligible disaster-related expenses, such as debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairs to public infrastructure.

To be eligible for assistance, an applicant must first register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Applicants can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Once registered, applicants should contact their local TDHS office to begin the application process.

The Public Assistance Program is just one of the many ways TDHS is here to help Tennesseans recover from disasters. For more information on TDHS’ disaster assistance programs, visit www.tn.gov/disaster or follow us on social media at @TNDeptofHS.

Sources:

https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

https://www.fema.gov/disaster-assistance

https://www.tn.gov/disaster