NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — If you’re still reeling from the effects of January’s winter storm, the Nashville Mayor’s Office announced some new resources for you Friday.
The winter storm affected thousands of Nashvillians, leaving some without power for more than a week, forcing some to temporarily relocate to hotels, downing thousands of trees across both Metro’s parks and private properties and claiming lives. Since January, families and businesses are still feeling the effects. Here are some of the newest resources available to help:
Individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said FEMA amended the major disaster declaration to expand individual assistance aid for Davidson County residents. You can apply for FEMA individual assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362, or using the FEMA App. To watch an accessible video on how to apply for disaster assistance, follow this link. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, you should give FEMA your number for that service.
More assistance now available for Tennessee ice storm survivors
Be prepared to provide:
- Contact information: Give the address of the property where the damage occurred, as well as the address, phone number, and valid email address where FEMA representatives can reach you
- A Social Security Number
- Damage information: Describe the damage caused by the disaster, including the type of disaster and the type of home or vehicle
- Financial information: Provide your total annual household income (before taxes)
- Insurance information: Describe the type(s) of insurance converge you have, such as homeowners, flood, automobile, or mobile home insurance
After applying for assistance, you may receive calls from an unknown number, but officials said it’s important you answer the phone because FEMA may need to speak with you to continue processing your case. In some cases, an application may be delayed or initially denied if FEMA can’t get in touch with the applicant.
Keep in mind that FEMA representatives will never ask for payment, and they’ll identify a case using the registration number assigned to the application.
The Metro Action Commission’s Emergency Winter Housing Assistance Program
More than $700,000 is available for Davidson County residents with proof of hardship to help cover costs related to mortgages, rent or newly-added utility assistance. Proof of hardship includes things like loss of work, proof of property damage or hotel expenses. Follow this link to apply. If you need help applying, you can email MAC or call the office at 615-862-8860.
Disaster loans from the Small Business Administration
Some loans for business owners affected by the storm can be for up to $2 million to address physical damage to the business’ property, economic injury loans if your bottom line was hit and home disaster loans to owners or tenants needing to repair personal property. You can follow this link to learn more and apply.
Other, older resources you can still use
Volunteer Organizations in Disaster has continued to distribute funding to nonprofit partners offering direct aid to Nashville residents. Some financial recovery resources have included rental assistance, connecting tenants with counsel to fight eviction and more. You can share your needs by calling 211…