Civilian-led efforts and non-profit organizations from various states are working together to assist residents impacted by the storm.
During that period, they have also experienced heartwarming moments.
One of these touching incidents took place near a mobile kitchen unit outside flood-devastated Newport. As a car filled with evacuated locals pulled up at the food station, volunteers approached a young man named Randy. He humbly told the Salvation Army aid workers, “Just make sure they have some [food]. I’m not really deserving of much help.”
Upon hearing this, one of the volunteers sat down with Randy and listened as he shared his struggles with addiction and his ongoing efforts to stay clean for the past year and a half. The conversation with the aid workers, who offered prayers and support for his journey, brought a smile to Randy’s face. He was deeply touched by their compassionate dedication to providing more than just food during the crisis.
The organization also prioritizes offering emotional support to disaster victims.
“In communities affected by the widespread devastation of Hurricane Helene, The Salvation Army has distributed 43,294 hot meals and 34,998 drinks, provided emotional and spiritual care to 2,829 individuals, and supported 68 shelters where many affected individuals and families have sought refuge,” stated a Salvation Army spokesperson.
More relief efforts are on the way. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced on October 2 that his request for an expedited major disaster declaration was granted, unlocking additional resources and assistance for eight counties.
“As Tennesseans begin the rebuilding process, I thank our federal partners for providing resources to enhance our severe weather response and recovery in Northeast Tennessee,” Governor Lee stated.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed that approved assistance for areas impacted by Helene in Tennessee is available for individuals in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties. This aid includes temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property, and other programs to support residents and local businesses.
As of October 3, President Biden’s administration approved over $20 million for the Hurricane Helene relief effort across six states. It was not specified how much of this funding would be allocated to storm victims in Tennessee.
Approximately 200 soldiers from the Tennessee National Guard are providing around-the-clock ground and aerial rescue support in collaboration with the state’s Emergency Management Agency.
Meanwhile, non-profit organizations and civilian initiatives from out of state are mobilizing to assist in the Helene disaster zone in Tennessee. Rachael Paulson, founder of Hands On The World Global based in Texas, quickly shifted her focus to provide relief to the affected area. She coordinated a large truck full of supplies that will arrive at the Second Harvest Food Bank in Northeastern Tennessee on October 11.
Paulson is also working to arrange additional resources such as water filtration systems to address water scarcity concerns in the region.
Avalanches of support and donations have poured into Tennessee in the wake of Helene, with volunteer groups and organizations stepping up to help with recovery efforts. Garrison, a member of a church, mentioned that 30 athletes from Carson Newman University volunteered to assist in the recovery efforts, including tasks like mud removal, salvaging furniture, and cleaning up destroyed homes.
Despite the overwhelming support, logistical challenges persist in coordinating and deploying volunteers effectively. Finding ways to utilize people’s willingness to help and directing their efforts towards areas of need remains a key leadership challenge.
Garrison emphasized the importance of donations in providing essential resources like food, water, and cleanup kits to those affected by the disaster.
“With such widespread devastation, the need for resources like food, water, and cleanup kits is strong,” the Salvation Army spokesperson reiterated. Please rewrite this sentence so that it is more concise.
Source link
