Governance Framework

In response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, the 100 Homes Project aims to replace or restore homes in Carter County, TN. This initiative is dedicated to proactively identifying and supporting residents adversely affected by the hurricane, ensuring they can rebuild their lives in safe, secure housing. To achieve this, the advisory board is collaborating closely with the Carter County Mayor’s office, disaster relief agencies, and non-profit organizations. By leveraging comprehensive data and insights from these partnerships we are fostering a coordinated approach to address the evolving needs of the community effectively.

We will utilize the following criteria as a framework to operate and effectively allocate resources to those in need.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Residency: Recipients must be residents of Carter County, TN.

2. Home Ownership Status: Recipients must be homeowners with a legal claim to the property that requires restoration.

3. Equity Consideration: Preference will be given to homeowners with fully paid-off homes or those with high equity value.

4. Extent of Damage: We will assess the damage sustained to the home as a direct result of Hurricane Helene, which may include photographic evidence, insurance claims, or repair estimates from certified contractors.

5. Financial Need: Recipients must demonstrate financial need, which we will evaluate through available evidence including income verification, documentation of job loss/reduced income due to the hurricane, or evidence of existing debt or financial obligations exacerbated by the disaster.

6. Willingness to Participate in Community Engagement: Recipients will be encouraged to engage in community recovery efforts, promoting a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration within the community.

7. Additional Vulnerabilities: Priority will be given to:

   • Families with children or elderly residents

   • Individuals with disabilities or special needs

   • Single-parent households

   • Veterans

8. Timeline for Recovery: Recipients must agree to a proposed timeline for the replacement or restoration of their home, indicating their commitment to the recovery process.

9. Primary Home Agreement: Recipients will be required to sign a contract confirming that the assistance provided is a gift intended for the replacement or restoration of their primary home. This agreement will stipulate that the property may not be sold or otherwise transferred for a specified period following the completion of the work.

10. Financial Stewardship: We are committed to prudent financial stewardship in our recovery efforts, demonstrated through our partnerships and the use of builder-grade materials to provide modest, well-built housing solutions for those affected by Hurricane Helene. The scope of our efforts is to replace what was lost, not to facilitate any major renovations or aesthetic improvements on behalf of the recipients. This ensures timely access to safe, warm, and dry homes without incurring unnecessary costs or delays. Through our work, we commit to help return families to their previous living conditions while aspiring to enhance their resilience by improving the overall quality and durability of their homes.

Advisory Board Considerations

The advisory board will actively identify and reach out to eligible residents based on the criteria outlined above, prioritizing those with the greatest need and potential for positive community impact. The board will ensure that resources are allocated transparently and fairly, with ongoing communication about the distribution process.