Disaster Relief

our Disaster Response

Following a disaster, rapidly mobilizing and organizing support efforts is crucial. While the initial response addresses immediate needs, we also work to coordinate the ongoing recovery efforts essential for a community’s long-term revitalization.

United Way convenes regional partners, including government agencies, businesses, and other nonprofits, to ensure resources reach those in need as quickly as possible. We are rooted in our affected communities, providing sustained support long after immediate relief efforts are completed. This includes managing donations, mobilizing volunteers, and providing essential resources for local Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs).

Need Help?

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.

You can contribute to disaster recovery efforts by getting involved with a Long-Term Recovery Group or by donating to United Way’s disaster relief initiatives.

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.