Onward New River Valley is gathering information and resources for businesses affected by Hurricane Helene and will be posting information here as it becomes available. (Banner photo by Nothing Ahead)
FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER IN PULASKI AND GILES
The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is December 2.
FEMA has opened 2 Disaster Recovery Centers in the New River Valley:
- Pulaski County: New River Valley Fairgrounds, 5581 Fair Grounds Circle.
- Giles County: Pembroke American Legion Building, 120 Pembroke Park Ln, Pembroke VA, 24136.
Help for businesses in Virginia impacted by Hurricane Helene: FEMA Disaster Resource Funding Document
FOUR WAYS TO APPLY:
Online: DisasterAssistance.gov
Mobile: Through the FEMA app
Call: (800) 621-3362 | 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS)
In Person: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center fema.gove/drc
THE SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTER (SBDC)
The Small Business Support Center (SBDC) has set up Q&As for businesses in need of disaster recovery efforts. No matter the process, businesses will need to be registered in SAM.gov as a start. If a business needs assistance with registering, the SBDC will be happy to help. For a full list of resources available visit the SBDC website: https://www.virginiasbdc.org/helene-recovery/
A button for Helene Disaster Assistance has been added to the SBDC for Roanoke and the New River Valley website – which prioritizes support. www.nrvsmallbusiness.org
Webinar – Q&A about Disaster Resources – https://youtu.be/rK2T4JCdk5g
Webinar – Doing Business with FEMA-General Information Session – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–1y-3WfI-0
Small businesses can contact the SBDC for assistance with navigating loans and other resources: https://www.virginiasbdc.org/request-appointment/
The 5 SBDCs serving the impacted areas are:
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- Blueridge Crossroads SBDC, Galax – April Collins
- Virginia Highlands SBDC – Cindy Fields
- Southwest Virginia SBDC – Denise Harmon
- Mt. Empire SBDC – Becki O’Quinn
- Greater Roanoke & New River Valley – Amanda Forrester
Business Recovery Centers: Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm
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- Crossroads Institute, 1117 E. Stuart Drive, Galax
- Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 851 French Moore, Jr. Blvd, Abingdon
Disaster Recovery Center: Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm
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- 5581 Fair Grounds Circle, Dublin
- 755 Roanoke St., Christansburg VA 24073
- Pembroke American Legion Building, 120 Pembroke Park Ln, Pembroke VA, 24136
- 736 N Beaver Dam Avenue, Damascus
Designated disaster areas:
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- Primary Areas – Counties of Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wythe, City of Galax
- Contiguous Areas – Counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Roanoke, Russell, Scott, City of Radford
Downloadable Information Flyers:
THE UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
The United Way of Southwest Virginia is working to provide community fundraising for immediate and long-term assistance.
UWSWVA has initiated the 2024 SWVA Regional Disaster Relief Fund and will seed the first $25,000. All proceeds will directly support relief and recovery programs. The organization is collaborating with local government agencies, businesses, and fellow non-profits to ensure aid reaches those most in need swiftly and efficiently.
UWSWVA is calling on individuals, businesses, and organizations to contribute to the relief effort by donating on the UWSWVA website. All funds will be allocated to both immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery initiatives, ensuring that no family is left behind in the rebuilding process.
TAX RELIEF
The IRS has announced tax relief for several localities in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and other states. You can find the details of the affected areas and the specific relief provisions for Virginia using the following link:
Additionally, please refer to this link for the latest updates and guidelines from the Department of Labor:
DISASTER RECOVERY GRANTS & LOANS
National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund – This is designed to foster partnership between local, state, and federal community planners to ensure that important cultural resources are integrated with statewide hazard mitigation planning efforts.
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans – These are low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.
FEMA Heritage Emergency National Task Force – In a partnership with the Smithsonian, this grant preserves cultural resources in a time of natural disaster.
FEMA Public Assistance Grants – This is designed for debris removal, emergency protective measures, water control facilities, roads & bridges, public buildings, equipment, public utilities, parks, recreational, & other facilities.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Hurricane Relief Programs – VCE has resources that will help respond to disasters that includes farm and home flood recovery, food & water safety, mental & emotional well-being after a disaster, and much more. VCE is also accepting donations for farmers who have experienced loss due to Hurricane Helene. Please share this link with those interested in contributing to farmers in need.
OTHER RESOURECES
For tips on recovering from a disaster, please visit: https://www.ready.gov/recovering-disaster
Additional information on the damage assessment process can be found at: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/how-declared
For roadways, the public should report any concerns such as flooding, downed trees or road hazards to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).
For those who need help with cleanup/debris management you can contact the cleanup hotline for Hurricane Helene at 1-844-965-1386.
Information on FEMA’s public assistance can be found at: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public
Virginia VOAD is responding to assist communities in southwestern Virginia that were impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. You can access their information at https://www.virginiavoad.org/how-to-help/helene-resources/
Contact your local emergency management office for details on local sheltering operations and supply needs at: https://lemd.vdem.virginia.gov/Public/
