Storm relief grant applications now available to help homeowners rebuild in Tazewell County

TAZEWELL, VA (WVNS) – Tazewell County has been ravaged by two historic natural disasters in 2024 and 2025.

While most people in the county can see the effects, County Administrator Eric Young explained Hurricane Helene did more damage on the eastern side of the county. What he calls the President’s Day Flooding in February 2025 wreaked havoc, he says, more so on the western side.

“The winds were what we really were not prepared for. You cannot really be prepared for[the high winds] because this area does not get those kind of winds. We have a lot of trees that have not grown in a pattern that they can take that kind of wind or trees that are older or have heavy that will fall down in those storms. Falling trees [were] the biggest problem that we had, with Helene in particular,” said Young.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development decided to help by making a storm relief grant available to homeowners. Leaders in Tazewell County will be administering the Storm Relief Grant program for the state which people apply for by going through the county.

This program is available for those who apply that have what qualifies as “major damage” or “total loss” to their homes.

“There is not enough money to make everybody whole. Everybody needs to understand that from the beginning that the state does not have enough money to buy a new house. But we will get as much as we can from the DHCD for people to help pay towards the improvements and repairs that we need to make to their homes,” clarified Young.

Unlike FEMA, which gives out loans in the wake of disasters, the money from this program is a grant – meaning anyone who is awarded a grant does not need to lose any sleep over a repayment process.

If you are a resident of Tazewell County, you can apply for this by stopping by 197 Main Street in Tazewell, Virginia, or online at their website. If you have any questions County Administrator Young recommended calling (276) 385-1203.