This page was last updated on April 17, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
As recovery from the January winter ice storm continues, our Restore Nashville page is intended to provide information for communities to restore access, restore the bottom line, and restore our neighborhoods.
Following the end of the local state of emergency on February 8, we launched Restore Nashville to guide Nashville’s recovery. Here’s how we’re here to help you and restore Nashville together:
Financial Recovery Resources
Federal assistance is now available for Nashvillians with qualifying disaster-related expenses from Winter Storm Fern, such as temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of essential personal property, and other serious disaster related needs.
Davidson County residents are encouraged to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by:
- Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
- Calling 800-621-3362
- Using the FEMA App
Learn more at TN.gov/TEMA
The Tennessee Titans, through their Home Field Advantage Catalyst Fund, have donated $250,000 to the Metropolitan Action Commission (MAC) to help launch Davidson County's Emergency Winter Housing Assistance Program (EWHAP).
The Mayor’s Office worked with Metro Finance to reallocate $930,000 in unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Metro Action Commission to expand Emergency Winter Housing Assistance, which offers mortgage, rental, or newly added utility assistance. This allows Metro to serve hundreds of additional households impacted by the winter storm.
Nashville will reopen applications for MAC’s Emergency Winter Housing Assistance Program on April 27. Just over $700,000 is available for any Davidson County resident who has proof of hardship like loss of work, hotel expenses or property damage.
Learn more on MAC’s Emergency Winter Housing Assistance Program page.
Nashville Electric Service (NES) implemented a series of relief measures to support financially strained customers in response to the significant hardships caused by the winter storm:
- NES suspended all service disconnections and late fees through June 2026.
- NES is offering unlimited payment arrangements for all customers through December 2026.
- To help customers navigate these options, NES will enhance communication channels to provide swift, individualized assistance.
- Additionally, the NES Board approved a $1 million donation to the Winter Storm Recovery Fund.
- Learn more at nespower.com/pay-my-bill/.
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands offers free legal services, including eviction right to counsel. Visit the Legal Aid Society website to find free self-help resources and find upcoming free legal clinic dates.
Properties that were partially or completely destroyed during the January winter storm event may qualify for reassessment to help lower the tax bill for the year.
How does it work?
Because the storm was declared a disaster, the city is allowed to reduce property taxes for properties partially or completely destroyed or heavily damaged. The Davidson County Assessor of Property will prorate the annual property assessment for the actual time the property was either a) destroyed and not replaced or b) substantially damaged and not yet restored. This will lower the property tax bill to make up for the time the property was unusable.
To qualify for this help, the property must have been destroyed or heavily damaged for more than 30 days before being fixed or rebuilt.
What do you need to do?
The discount does not happen automatically. If you think you qualify, you must apply for it. You need to fill out an application and send it to the Assessor of Property before September 1st.
For forms and direction on how to apply, visit https://www.padctn.org/news/wilhoite-applauds-passage-of-the-disaster-relief-measure-for-property-owners/.
Metro Codes, at the direction of the Mayor, suspended permit fees related to rebuilding after the storm. Legislation was passed by the Metro Council to authorize this action on February 17.
If your home or business was damaged by the big winter storm in January 2026, this rule eliminates the fees usually required for repair permits.
What fees are covered?
- Building repairs
- Electrical work
- Gas or mechanical (heating/cooling) work
- Plumbing work
What do you need to do?
- Show proof: Show proof to the Metro Codes Department that your repairs are specifically for damage caused by the January 2026 winter storm.
- Meet the deadline: Apply for and receive your permit on or before August 31, 2026.
Many organizations are mobilizing to support Nashvillians impacted by the winter storm. The Needs Tracker on NashvilleResponds.com has now closed. If you are needing assistance, please contact the 211 Helpline.
Metro is collecting storm-related vegetation debris and residents are encouraged to place debris at the curb for collection through April 19. (People who live in the satellite cities of Forrest Hills, Berry Hill, and Belle Meade should contact their local city officials for details on services available in their area.)
- Place all vegetation out for collection by Sunday, April 19. Collections will continue in the weeks after April 19 until NDOT completes a final route of the city at which time they will resume residential brush collection services.
- Anyone needing assistance with moving their storm debris to the curb should contact the United Way of Greater Nashville by calling 211.
- There are no size guidelines for storm-related vegetation brush piles.
- Please ensure brush is not blocking utility infrastructure, culverts, storm drains, drainage ditches, fire hydrants, sidewalks, bike lanes, or travel lanes.
- Winter Storm 2026 Special Vegetation Debris Collection: Frequently Asked Questions
- Davidson County residents can also dispose of brush and other yard waste free of charge (trailers will be charged a fee) at Living Earth.
The Small Business Administration has made several disaster loans available for impacted business owners. Those are loans for physical damage to the property, economic injury – if your bottom line was hit, and home disaster loans to owners or renters needing to repair personal property, including vehicles. Some of these loans can be up to $2 million.
To apply go to lending.sba.gov.
How to Help
Hands On Nashville (HON) is coordinating volunteer opportunities in support of Winter Storm Fern recovery. Today's community-wide service initiatives are focused on debris cleanup and assisting impacted neighborhoods.
Residents interested in volunteering or learning about additional service opportunities can visit United Way's website for registration details and guidance.
We strongly encourage organizations with volunteer opportunities to post their opportunities with VOAD via Hand On Nashville. This will verify volunteer opportunities and streamline city-wide efforts, offering operational safety to all volunteer participants.
Donations to this fund will be used to address current and emerging needs of those impacted by Winter Storm Fern. Funds will be used for food, supplies, cleanup, debris removal, and more as additional needs emerge. Funds will be used until either all needs are met or funds are exhausted. If any funds remain after all needs are met, they will be shifted to a disaster response fund for future need.