One year ago, communities across the Appalachian region faced unprecedented destruction and loss. What at first seemed as if it would be a normal storm turned into something disastrous. Homes were destroyed, lives were lost, and critical infrastructure was left crippled.
In the immediate aftermath, the level of devastation was difficult to comprehend. Yet, amidst the devastation, a powerful community response emerged. From donating necessities to volunteering their time, no matter where you turned there was neighbor helping neighbor.
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.
To date, $1.8 million of our Emergency Relief Fund has supported over 50 nonprofits working directly with those affected. Long-term recovery groups are working every day to make sure everyone affected is made whole again.
A year into disaster recovery from Hurricane Helene, we remain committed to our goal of increasing community resiliency. We will continue to help with rebuild efforts, connect volunteers with projects still to come, and encourage the East Tennessee Highlands to emerge stronger from adversity.
“This will forever be part of our region’s history. We will never forget the lives that were lost and the livelihoods that were forever changed. I also hope that we will be remembered for the way we came together, neighbors helping neighbors, and our resilience in recovery.” – Leslie Dalton – CEO, United Way of East TN Highlands
Learn more about our response and how you can get involved at unitedwayetnh.org/relief