New $50 million state fund opens to support Southwest Virginia residents affected by Tropical Storm Helene or the February 2025 winter storms

Richmond, Virginia – In a major step toward supporting disaster recovery across Southwest Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund is now accepting applications from residents and business owners impacted by recent natural disasters. The $50 million initiative, proposed by the governor and approved by the General Assembly, aims to provide “financial relief and long-term resilience to Virginians impacted by recent natural disasters.”

Swift Recovery for Devastated Communities

“When Virginians are impacted by devastating storms, they deserve a recovery process that is fast, effective and focused on rebuilding stronger communities,” Governor Youngkin said in the announcement. “The Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund will make sure we deliver help where it’s needed most and ensure we are even better prepared for the future.”

The fund is designed to deliver rapid support to homeowners and business owners who suffered major damage or total destruction of real property during Tropical Storm Helene or the February 2025 winter storms. Assistance is also available for mitigation projects that aim to prevent future losses—such as home reinforcement, slope stabilization, bridge reconstruction, and infrastructure upgrades.

Currently, the program is focused on Southwest Virginia, but it is built to expand statewide in the event of future disasters.

Counties and Cities Eligible for Aid

Eligible areas include Bland, Buchanan, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties. The cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford are also included. To ensure timely delivery of funds, the state will distribute support through local governments and Planning District Commissions (PDCs).

“This fund reflects Virginia’s commitment to swift and effective disaster response, ensuring that residents and communities are not left behind after devastating storms,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “By investing in both immediate recovery and long-term mitigation, we are building a more resilient Commonwealth.”

Building Stronger Foundations for the Future

The Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund is part of a broader state strategy to help communities bounce back after disasters and become better prepared moving forward. According to Maggie Beal, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, “Strong, resilient communities are the foundation of Virginia’s economy. This fund helps ensure our families, businesses, and farms can fully recover and be more resilient in the future.”

Applicants must have experienced total loss or major damage to real property due to the two qualifying weather events. Projects that increase structural resilience will also be considered for funding. Funds are being managed through the Department of Housing and Community Development in coordination with local PDCs, and applications are being accepted immediately.

Where and How to Apply

Residents and businesses should contact their local government or regional PDC for help applying. Each county or city has a designated commission handling applications:

• Mount Rogers PDC: (276) 783-5103 – covers Bland, Bristol, Galax, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe.

• Cumberland Plateau PDC: (276) 880-4020 – covers Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell.

• New River Valley Regional Commission: (540) 639-9313 – covers Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Radford.

• LENOWISCO PDC: (276) 431-2206 – covers Lee, Norton, Scott, and Wise.

To find more details about guidelines and how to apply, residents are encouraged to visit the official website: www.dhcd.virginia.gov/disaster-assistance.

With this new fund, Virginia is taking a proactive stance in disaster recovery, focusing not just on rebuilding but on building back stronger.