Arkansas tornado victims can apply for storm relief grants

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — In the aftermath of a historic tornado outbreak that left trees uprooted, vehicles without windows, and homes leveled, Arkansas homeowners and renters can now apply for relief. The Arkansas REALTORS Association (ARA) announced on Tuesday that command centers will be set up later this week to assist those interested in applying for aid.

"This will be for homeowners and tenants who were displaced by the recent storms," said Andrea Alford, CEO of the Arkansas REALTORS Association.

Communities such as Cave City, Cushman, Diaz, Newport, and Paragould were severely impacted by the devastation. The ARA, in partnership with the REALTORS Relief Foundation, will provide up to $300,000 in relief grants to help cover housing-related expenses, including lease payments and hotel costs.

Applicants can receive up to $1,000.

"They can come in and apply for housing-related assistance and receive grants of up to $1,000," Alford said.

The REALTORS Relief Foundation was established in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to assist families affected by disasters. Alford said Arkansas has benefited significantly from the foundation's funds, with $4 million in grants distributed to tornado victims across Arkansas in 2023 and 2024.

"In '23 and '24, we received $4 million in grants that we were able to disperse to victims of the tornadoes that ravaged Central Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas, and even parts of Southern Arkansas as well," Alford said.

Alford emphasized the personal commitment of the ARA to help those who have lost their homes. "They care tremendously and they want to do everything that they can to help because they know how important home is. Their entire business is built around it," she said.

The command centers will be open on Thursday and Friday at the following locations from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., providing a place for victims to apply for aid.

Cave City/Cushman: Mossy Oak Properties, 8111 N St Louis St, Cave City, Ark. 72521

Diaz/Newport: Bratcher Real Estate, 731 Malcolm Ave., Newport, Ark. 72112

Paragould: Weichert, REALTORS, 105 Reynolds Rd, Paragould, AR 72450

Board members of Hearts & Homes of Arkansas, Inc., a charity affiliated with ARA, along with other volunteers, will offer application assistance and access to computers.

Certain documents are required to apply for aid.

• If you own your home and pay a monthly mortgage, you will need your mortgage statement, photo ID, and photos of damage.
• If you were displaced and stayed in a hotel during that time, you will need hotel receipts.
• If you own your home outright, you will need photo ID, photos of damage, and one monthly utility bill.
• If you own your home outright, you are only eligible for up to 50% ($500) of the maximum grant amount ($1,000).
• If you rent your home and you were displaced, you will need photo ID, original lease agreement for damaged property, new lease agreement/hotel receipts, and photos of damage.

Click here to find out if you qualify for aid.