Richmond, Virginia, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced the creation of the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund to support residents affected by recent natural disasters. This fund will provide timely aid to those in Southwest Virginia whose homes and properties have suffered damage from events like Tropical Storm Helene and the February 2025 winter storms. The initiative aims to facilitate recovery and reinforce community resilience against future disasters, with an application process for eligible residents seeking assistance for various needs.
Richmond, Virginia – Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced the establishment of the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund, which aims to provide essential support for residents affected by recent natural disasters such as Tropical Storm Helene and the February 2025 winter storms. This fund is part of the state’s commitment to ensure that Virginians impacted by these storms experience a swift and effective recovery process focused on rebuilding stronger communities.
The Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund is currently available to localities in Southwest Virginia, addressing the immediate needs of residents whose homes and properties have been severely damaged or completely destroyed. The fund is designed to distribute timely and targeted assistance, ensuring that no community is overlooked in times of crisis. In a move to preemptively address future disasters, the fund will also be open to providing support statewide as additional events occur.
Localities eligible for assistance from the fund include:
- Bland County
- Buchanan County
- Dickenson County
- Floyd County
- Giles County
- Lee County
- Montgomery County
- Pulaski County
- Russell County
- Scott County
- Smyth County
- Tazewell County
- Washington County
- Wise County
- Wythe County
- Cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford
Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade highlighted the state’s proactive approach to disaster response, underscoring the importance of ensuring that affected residents and communities receive the assistance they need. The fund not only supports homeowners and business owners facing significant property damage but also aims to facilitate mitigation projects. These projects will focus on reinforcing homes, properties, bridges, and other vital community infrastructure to better withstand future natural disasters.
Residents affected by recent disasters can apply for assistance through their local governments or regional Planning District Commissions. Currently, applications are being accepted for a variety of needs, including home and property losses, major damages, bridge reconstruction, and slope mitigation projects. This streamlined approach to application and funding distribution is intended to maximize efficiency and fairness, enabling affected individuals and families to recover as swiftly as possible.
Maggie Beal, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, emphasized the significance of resilient communities for Virginia’s overall economy. The comprehensive recovery efforts supported by the Disaster Assistance Fund not only help families rebuild but also contribute to restoring the stability of businesses and farms across the region.
For more information regarding eligibility requirements and application procedures, residents are encouraged to visit the official state website dedicated to disaster assistance.
FAQ Section
What is the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund?
The Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund is an initiative by the state to provide financial support to residents and localities impacted by recent natural disasters, including Tropical Storm Helene and the February 2025 winter storms.
Who is eligible for assistance under this fund?
Currently, localities in Southwest Virginia are eligible for assistance. This includes specific counties and cities, and the fund may extend support statewide following future disasters.
How can residents apply for assistance?
Residents can apply for the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund by contacting their local governments or regional Planning District Commissions.
What types of needs does the assistance cover?
The financial assistance covers home and property losses, major damages, bridge reconstruction, and slope mitigation to enhance the resilience of affected areas.
Key Features of the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide timely financial support to recover from natural disasters. |
| Eligibility | Localities in Southwest Virginia, with expansion plans for future disasters. |
| Support Areas | Homeowners, business owners, community infrastructure, and mitigation projects. |
| Application Process | Apply through local governments or regional Planning District Commissions. |
| Current Application Open | Home/property losses, bridge reconstruction, slope mitigation. |
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Additional Resources
- PC Patriot
- Wikipedia: Natural Disaster
- WFXR TV
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Helene
- Virginia Mercury
- Google Scholar: Emergency Management
- Rocktown Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disaster Assistance Fund
- Virginia Mercury Briefs
- Google News: FEMA Review Council Youngkin
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