Damascus, Virginia, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Damascus, Virginia is accepting applications for the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund to support homeowners and businesses affected by floods from Tropical Storm Helene. Governor Youngkin announced the fund’s opening for properties with severe damages, backed by a $50 million initiative from the General Assembly. Affected regions in Southwest Virginia can apply for necessary financial assistance to aid in recovery and boost resilience against future disasters.
Damascus, Virginia is now accepting applications for the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund following devastating floods caused by Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024. Homeowners and businesses affected are encouraged to apply for financial relief aimed at recovering from the damage and bolstering resilience against future natural disasters.
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the fund is open to properties that were either totally destroyed or suffered major damage during the recent storms, which include Tropical Storm Helene as well as severe winter storms in February 2025. The implementation of a $50 million initiative for financial assistance and long-term support has been approved by the General Assembly, reinforcing the state’s commitment to aiding communities in recovery.
Funding from the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund will be allocated to various localities throughout Southwest Virginia, specifically targeting the counties… Bland, Buchanan, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe. Additionally, residents of the cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford are also eligible.
Application Process and Distribution of Funds
Applications will be processed through local governments and Planning District Commissions to ensure a fair and timely distribution of assistance. For example, Bristol, Galax, and counties such as Bland, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe will submit applications through the Mount Rogers Planning District. In contrast, Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell counties will work through the Cumberland Plateau Planning District. Other localities such as Lee, Scott, Wise, and Norton will utilize the LENOWISCO Planning District, while the remaining areas will follow the New River Planning District.
Eligible residents can apply for various types of assistance that address home and property losses, major structural damage, bridge reconstruction, and slope mitigation efforts. The Department of Housing and Community Development emphasizes the importance of building resilient communities to support Virginia’s economy. To learn more about the application procedures and find out if they qualify, residents are urged to visit the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development website or get in touch with their local government or regional Planning District Commission.
Impact and Community Response
Nearly six months after Tropical Storm Helene, areas in Damascus, including structures like the First Baptist Church, are still witnessing the effects of the floods. While challenges remain, the community’s recovery efforts have made considerable progress, with 76 out of 82 identified damaged homes already restored. Local residents have demonstrated resilience, with many recounting their survival stories during the storm. Initiatives aimed at recovery, including two recent $55,000 grants to the Town of Damascus for stream bank repairs, are part of nearly $2 million newly allocated for flood preparedness and mitigation in Southwest Virginia.
The state’s commitment to recovery has not gone unnoticed, as local leaders and residents express their appreciation for the support received during this challenging time. Building stronger, more resilient communities remains a primary focus as Virginia continues to push forward in disaster recovery efforts.
Conclusion
The Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund stands as a crucial resource for communities striving to rebuild after devastating floods. Eligible residents are encouraged to take swift action to apply and receive the support necessary for their recovery, thereby laying the foundation for a more resilient future.
FAQ Section
What is the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund?
The Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund provides financial relief to homeowners and businesses impacted by natural disasters, specifically aimed at recovery and resilience projects.
Who is eligible to apply?
Residents in designated counties and cities affected by Tropical Storm Helene and the February 2025 winter storms can apply for assistance. This includes several counties in Southwest Virginia and cities like Bristol and Galax.
How can I apply?
Applications can be submitted through local governments or Planning District Commissions. Residents should visit the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development website for further details.
What types of assistance are available?
Assistance spans multiple needs including home and property loss, major damage, bridge reconstruction, and slope mitigation projects.
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Additional Resources
- WDBJ7: Vance Surveys Southwest Virginia Flood Damage
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm Helene
- WCYB: Damascus Receives Grants for Flood Preparedness and Mitigation
- Google Search: Damascus Virginia flood
- Garden and Gun: Communities Along the Virginia Creeper Trail Were Hit Hard
- Google Scholar: Virginia Creeper Trail flood
- WJHL: Damascus Rebuilding After Floods
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Southwest Virginia flood recovery
- WJHL: JD Vance Arrives in Tri-Cities for Damascus Visit
- Google News: JD Vance Damascus visit
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