Blog Post
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 2025 health and drug plans now
We can't wait to host hundreds of area nursing facility administrators, practitioners, caregivers, and others who work with seniors at our 33rd annual REACH Conference (Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving, and Healthcare) next month! The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) hosts the annual conference to provide educational workshops, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities. This year's conference will be held at Maude Cobb in Longview on October 2-3 and is ideal for professionals or caregivers serving older adults and persons with disabilities.
About Us
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas
is designated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to coordinate services for persons in East Texas who are 60 or older, with particular attention to low-income minority older individuals, older individuals with limited-English proficiency, and older individuals residing in rural areas.
1501 Pentecost Road
Kilgore, Texas 75662
1-800-442-8845
Deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired customers may contact
Relay Texas: 800-735-2989 (TTY) and 711 (Voice).
Equal opportunity is the law.
Equal opportunity notice in English and Spanish
Administered by ETCOG