Nearly seven days ago, Tropical Storm Helene veered off of its predicted course, unexpectedly unleashing furious winds and rains over the Great Smoky Mountains, western North Carolina, and East Tennessee. As of Thursday, 11 deaths have been confirmed across six counties by the Tennessee Department of Health, and 23 people are still missing.
Hundreds of communities have been impacted by raging flood waters which were not anticipated by local governments. Thousands have been impacted by the floods, and many have lost their homes or property. Wastewater and debris have spilled into regional waterways, generating concerns of a larger ecological impact.
In the wake of this disaster, many Tennnesseans may be asking themselves, ‘How can I help?’ This is, after all, the Volunteer State. While the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has discouraged citizens from physically intervening while rescue operations remain underway, WUOT has compiled the following information for those who are seeking to assist communities in need:
Local Aid
East Tennessee is known for its sense of close-knit community, and that is never more evident than in a time of crisis, when folks are most in need. Many local businesses and nonprofits have stepped up to assist their neighbors with recovery throughout the region, but here are a few with the farthest reach:
The East Tennessee Foundation – The foundation works closely with local nonprofits and support groups to provide aid to those in need during disasters as part of its ‘Neighbor-to-Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund.’
Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster – If you’d prefer to volunteer your time, the Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster has been working closely with volunteer groups all throughout Carter, Washington and Johnson counties to provide supplies for residents and operate shelters. The group works closely with United Way of the East Tennessee Highland.
The Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center – TEMA designated the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn., as the disaster relief center for the region on Thursday. They accept drive-thru donations of bottled water, non-perishable food, baby supplies and personal hygiene products to help those in need every day from 8am to 6pm. They also have a hotline that you can call to learn about other resources available to survivors or how you can volunteer.
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee – Second Harvest has been working to end hunger in East Tennessee for years. They’re most often associated with their programs aimed at reducing child hunger, and recycling leftover foods. They are accepting monetary donations to assist flood victims, but are also asking for food and supplies at their headquarters in Maryville.
Mountain Ways – This nonprofit was founded by Joe and Jessi Baker, who are perhaps best known as the founders and owners of Smoky Mountain Moonshine. According to their website, they were inspired to start Mountain Ways in the wake of the 2016 wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains which devastated portions of Sevier County eight years ago. On Friday, Oct. 4, country music icon and East Tennessee native Dolly Parton announced she would donate $1 million to Mountain Ways to assist with their relief efforts in the region.
National / International Aid Groups
Several national and international emergency aid organizations have moved into the region in the wake of the storm, including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Way. These groups are busy providing food, supplies, and shelter to those who may have lost everything they own to flooding.
The American Red Cross – The Red Cross has been active in East Tennessee since at least Saturday, and is asking for monetary donations to support its relief efforts. They say they’re helping to manage shelters in Tennessee where displaced flood victims can get hot meals or spend the night.
The Salvation Army – Emergency and Disaster Services teams with the Salvation Army have provided free meals and spiritual care to impacted communities. The organization says that financial contributions help support their relief efforts.
United Way – United Way of East Tennessee Highlands and its nonprofit partners serve communities in Carter, Johnson and Washington counties which were among the hardest hit. The organization is also accepting volunteers.
This page will be updated frequently as aid groups begin/end operations in the region. Last updated: Monday, Oct. 7 at 8:45 a.m.
