Disaster Relief
United Way of East TN Highlands is honored to be a trusted resource for our community in good times and in challenging times. Our Emergency Relief Fund allows us to quickly direct funds to response and recovery efforts associated with major disasters and emergencies that overwhelm local resources.
NETN Disaster Relief Response
Immediate Response
In the days following the impacts of Hurricane Helene, United Way acted quickly to respond and activate resources to help our community.
Emergency Relief Fund Activated
United Way of East Tennessee Highlands immediately activated its Emergency Relief Fund. 100% of donations went directly to vetted local nonprofits, no administrative fees ensuring rapid, flexible, life-saving aid. $855,000 was disbursed in the first 8 weeks. Early relief dollars stabilized impacted households with food, water, health and mental health care, medical supplies, and temporary shelter.
Volunteer Coordination
Through our Volunteer-United.org portal, we mobilized and coordinated over 5,000 volunteers who completed nearly 10,000 disaster-related projects. From muck-outs and debris removal to distributing food and water, these volunteers were the hands and hearts delivering help where it mattered most.
Connecting Aid and Neighbors
The 2-1-1 resource hotline linked individuals and families to clean water, food, shelter, medical care, mental health support, and other services, connecting those in crisis to the nonprofits working on the ground.
Funding urgent needs
Early relief dollars stabilized impacted households with food, water, health and mental health care, medical supplies, and temporary shelter.
Recovery
As the immediate crisis response to Hurricane Helene transitioned into long-term recovery, we shifted our focus from emergency relief to rebuilding lives and strengthening community resilience.
Regional Director of Disaster Recovery
Created a pivotal leadership role dedicated to building and coordinating Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) across multiple counties. This position is grant funded and ensures each county has the structure, leadership, and systems needed to manage recovery efforts effectively and equitably.
Partnered with East Tennessee Foundation and First Tennessee Development District
Worked together to provide operational funding and resources for LTRGs, enabling them to hire staff, implement recovery programs, and maintain ongoing support for their communities.
Directed Funding to Rebuild and recovery
Funding has been and continues to be managed for home rebuild projects, replacing essential household items and sustained mental health recovery efforts to ensure survivors have access to ongoing support.
Need Help?
Affected by Hurricane Helene
If you were affected by Hurricane Helene and the associated flooding, wind damage and more throughout our region, please connect with the Long-Term Recovery Group serving your community. Learn More about Long-Term Recovery Groups.
Contact 211
Your local 211 agency has the most up-to-date information about local assistance that may be available to you. Simply call 211 from a cell phone or landline to speak with a live, trained service professional.
Immediate Help
If you recently experienced a disaster and need immediate assistance:
- Call 911 for immediate medical attention.
- Find a shelter if you have evacuated because of a disaster and need to shelter outside of the hazard area. Search online using the American Red Cross Shelter Finder for help with locating open shelters near you.
- Text loved ones or use a Wi-Fi connection to update your status on social media to let others know you are safe. During the immediate aftermath of disasters, you may be unable to make a phone call, but usually SMS text messaging works.
- Regional Disaster Relief Hotline: Call (423) 830-2696 to get your questions answered and find information on how to obtain support, supplies, and other needs.
Want to Help?
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer projects have been added to our portal, with more being added daily! Sign up now to support Hurricane Helene relief. Create a portal account to see what’s available and join us as we help our community recover. Let’s make a difference together! https://www.volunteer-united.org
GIVE
Hurricane Helene has brought widespread flooding and devastation to Northeast TN. We are ready to deploy immediate funds to our local, vetted nonprofits that are working on disaster relief. We cover Carter, Johnson and Washington Counties.
No administrative fees will be taken out of these donations. 100% of your donation will go towards disaster relief.
United Way of East TN Highlands is honored to be a trusted resource for our community in good times and in challenging times. Our Emergency Relief Fund allows us to quickly direct funds to response and recovery efforts associated with major disasters and emergencies that overwhelm local resources. This fund channels local assistance to proactively respond to the impacts of natural disasters such as, local flooding, large scale fires, weather related tragedies and other public, local crises that may arise as situations evolve. We closely monitor emergencies as they develop and work together with community partners to respond to emerging needs. Recognizing that situations change rapidly, please check back here regularly for the most current information.
Long-Term Disaster Recovery Supported by East TN Foundation
Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Fund
No administrative fees will be taken from relief fund donations. 100% of your donation will go towards disaster relief.