ETCOG to Host Community Meetings Offering Housing Assistance Opportunities Available to Panola and Rusk County Tornado Victims
East Texas Council of Governments • June 24, 2021
Attend an upcoming community meeting on July 1 or July 6
The East Texas Council of Governments(ETCOG) will host community meetings for residents affected by the March 2021 tornadoes in Panola and Rusk counties to offer assistance through its HOME Disaster Relief Program. Through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), ETCOG assists qualified individuals impacted by storms and other disasters in East Texas. The community meetings will be held on the following dates:
Panola County Meet & Greet
Carthage Civic Center
July 1, 2021 | 12:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Rusk County Meet & Greet
Mt. Enterprise Community Center
July 6, 2021 | 12:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
"We were saddened to learn of the damage and loss of homes as a result of the recent tornadoes in East Texas," said ETCOG's Director of Aging and Housing Programs, Bettye Mitchell. "The East Texas Council of Governments' HOME program and the Area Agency on Aging can possibly be of assistance. We encourage citizens who have lost their homes and or received significant damage to attend scheduled meetings in your area. Our hearts are with you during these difficult times."
The HOME Disaster Relief Program allows ETCOG to support the rebuilding or repairing of eligible storm victims' homes in the affected area. Average costs to rebuild single-family homes are from $100,000 to $110,000, depending on the size of the family. Interested applicants will be required to meet the HOME Disaster Relief Program standards set forth by the TDHCA. Applicants must also meet federal rules and standards set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In addition, eligible clients must have experienced property damage from the tornado, have a clear title on their home with no liens, and not have received FEMA assistance.
We encourage individuals looking to seek assistance to attend an upcoming community meeting or contact 903-218-6565 or visit www.etcog.org/housing.
Assistance is available to find and compare 2027 health and drug plans now.
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas is partnering with First Christian Church in Jacksonville to offer a free Benefits & Estate Planning Presentation for Seniors and Caregivers. The informative workshop will be held Thursday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at the First Christian Church Sanctuary, 1920 Beaumont Street in Jacksonville. Presented by Paul Zambie, Managing Attorney with Texas Legal Services Center, the session will help attendees better understand legal and planning issues that can affect older adults and their families. Topics will include wills and trusts, deeds, transfer-on-death deeds, long-term care Medicaid, Medicaid estate recovery, and senior services. This free presentation is designed to give seniors and caregivers practical information to help prepare for life’s challenges and make informed decisions about the future. For more information, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at 903-218-6500 or 1-800-442-8845.
