Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery
• Our Communities Coming Together to Help One Another •
September 30th, 2024
Hello Chamber Members and Friends,
Last Friday, our communities across East Tennessee were faced with devastating floods and wind from the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Roads and bridges were destroyed or blocked in many locations. Utilities were damaged and access was cut to reliable water and electricity throughout the region.
Now, as we all recover, this community has done what it does best. Neighbors have rallied together to help one another. It will take us all to recover and rebuild. In the coming days and weeks, watch our socials for details of what is needed most, as it changes quickly. We will be sharing information from the City of Elizabethton, Emergency Management from Carter County, United Way, Region A.H.E.A.D, and other organizations in Carter County that are taking donations, offering support and relaying important information. Links below for volunteering, donations to United Way and Region A.H.E.A.D.
Your Chamber is open and ready to serve. We have wifi, power and water. We will be open for regular business hours and welcome you to come by to regroup and recharge. If you need specific connections, please don’t hesitate to call us, no matter what it is that you need. We likely know someone that we can connect with that is willing and eager to help.
While our community wasn’t prepared to withstand the remnants of Hurricane Helene, we will rebuild, together.
Stay safe friends.
Joy McCray
Executive Director
Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee
For those wishing to make financial donations that directly impact our communities, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee has already made great contributions of water and food. As their operations continue, any funding donated will be directly used to source and provide further resources. Visit netfoodbank.org
United Way of East TN Highlands
Donate – United Way of East TN Highlands is gathering donations that will be used to aid in the recovery of our devastated communities. Monetary donations will remain in and assist our communities directly.
Volunteer – There are many opportunities to help throughout our communities and United Way can help connect you with the areas that need you most. Submit your information and you will be contacted with volunteer opportunities. Learn more about donations and volunteering at unitedwayetnh.org/help
Region A.H.E.A.D.
As we support the impacted individuals and families in our communities, we also want to assist the small businesses that make our region so unique. The Region A.H.E.A.D. Flood Recovery Fund is currently gathering donations that will be used to aid in small business recovery. All grant funding will be administered by the First Tennessee Development District Foundation. Grant applications will be coming soon. Learn more about contribution opportunities at regionahead.com
Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center
at Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Motor Speedway has been designated as the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center and will serve as a major donation and collection site, provide logistics for search and rescue operations in a central staging area, and also house a regional disaster relief hotline. The regional disaster relief hotline number of 423-830-2696 is available for those who need assistance.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Supply Pick-Up
The following locations throughout Carter County have been designated as donation drop-off and supply pickup points. Each will receive donations from the Disaster Relief Center at Bristol Motor Speedway as needed. Large deliveries should be sent to the Disaster Relief Center and can be designated for Carter County or made as a general donation to be used as needed throughout the region.
TLC Community Center (145 Judge Don Lewis Blvd, Elizabethton)
Little Milligan Elementary School (4226 Hwy 321, Butler)
First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain (8498 Hwy 19E, Roan Mountain)
Displaced Resident Shelter
Hunter First Baptist Church
693 TN-91
For displaced residents, Hunter First Baptist Church has opened it’s doors as a shelter.
Region A.H.E.A.D.
The Region A.H.E.A.D. Flood Recovery Fund is gathering donations that will be used to aid in small business recovery. All grant funding will be administered by the First Tennessee Development District Foundation. Grant applications are now open and businesses that have faced challenges are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply at regionahead.com
U.S. Small Business Administration
Resources are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration, such as SBA Disaster Loans. Find more information and assistance at sba.gov
Home Repair Contractors
An unfortunate reality after any disaster is the presence of scammers. As our community recovers, scammers will be posing as legitimate contractors when in fact their goal is to scam you. Please familiarize yourself with the following information, provided by National Association of Home Builders. You should verify the qualifications of contractors with the state licensing agency.
Fake Insurance
Individuals may contact you or show up unannounced at your home claiming to be a representative of your insurance company. You should be verify the identity of anyone with your insurance company and be immediately suspicious of anyone using pressure tactics such as:
- Offering a discount if you “sign this form today”
- Requesting documents about you or your home
- Claiming they can help you receive FEMA funding
- Saying you owe a full payment up front