Aid and support for the East Hamilton community affected by the March 2 tornadoes is still available through a variety of resources.
A recent meeting hosted by the Samaritan Center at Ooltewah High School attracted more than 200 people who discussed current needs and ways to begin the assistance process.
"One of the big things with the meeting was just letting people know resources are available," said Cheryl Torres, marketing director for the Samaritan Center, which helped coordinate and facilitate the informational event. "Whether or not you think your home has a lot or a little of damage you are invited to tap in that."
According to Torres, anyone still seeking assistance or unsure of how to begin getting that assistance should start by calling the United Way's phone linking service at 211. She said it is important for everyone whose home was affected to file a report with the Red Cross and consider filing a claim with FEMA, because some people may realize three of four months from now that their home was damaged more than they thought.
"By April 5, all nine disaster recovery centers in the state will be closed, but FEMA is still available by phone," said FEMA representative Larry Buckner. "If you suffered any damage, call us. Do not self-eliminate."
Buckner said after calling FEMA residents will be asked to provide a Social Security number and name that matches that number, the address of damaged property, a mailing address, bank account information and a reliable phone number. After that, he said, FEMA will contact property owners to set up a time for property assessment.
Once those assessments are made and funding is awarded, local officials stressed the importance of verifying businesses that complete any work.
"There have been instances where someone whose roof was damaged was contacted to do roof work. The truck came and looked professional, [the homeowner] paid part of the fee up front and the people disappeared," said Consumer Credit Counseling representative Linda Rath.
According to Samaritan Center Executive Director Tony Dahlberg, the best way to avoid that situation is to never pay up front for services being provided, verify a local address for the company and check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure they are a legitimate business before working with them.
Debris pickup by Hamilton County will continue this spring as needed, according to Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger.
"For debris pickup, brush and building debris need to be in separate piles for pickup by the county," he said. "If you can get your debris within 20 feet of the road, we can pick it up."
If debris sits for more than a week, Coppinger said residents should call the county and ask when it will be picked up.
Local officials also expressed their support to residents affected by the storms and encouraged them to contact officials with needs.
"When you see people who have lost all they worked for during their lives be destroyed in 30 seconds, it's just devastating," said Hamilton County Commission District 7 Commissioner Larry Henry. "Our hearts go out to you. We're here. We're in the phone book. Call and let us know how we can help."