Severe flooding has swept through East Tennessee, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Hurricane Helene and days of relentless rain have caused rivers and creeks to overflow, inundating homes, businesses and roadways across the region. A state of emergency was declared by Governor Bill Lee beginning Sept. 26, while rescue teams and volunteers work around the clock to aid those affected. In true “Volunteer State” spirit, communities across East Tennessee have mobilized, offering shelter, food and support to displaced peoples.
First Christian Church of Johnson City has been taking donations, and people are using their own personal vehicles to deliver those goods to one of four locations: Carter County, Unicoi County, Johnson County and Washington County. The church is also staying in contact with members twice a day through email and social media, so people know where supplies need to be taken to. The church also started a disaster relief fund that people are contributing to help with disaster relief and recovery in Washington, Unicoi and Carter counties.
“We’ve had truckloads dropped off here,” said community impact manager Heather Logan, describing the massive community reaction that has already taken place. “Not just people from the community, but also people from big businesses and corporations are dropping stuff off. We’ve had people drive from Atlanta and Kentucky to donate bread, peanut butter, other supplies…. at any given time we’ve had 60 to 100 volunteers.”
Evergreen Freewill Baptist Church in Erwin is another of the many players in helping the majorly impacted parts of the community.
“It’s a constant cycle of taking stuff out and moving new stuff in,” said Noah Taylor, senior pastor of Evergreen FBC.
The church is only minutes from Jackson Love Highway, which runs adjacent to Interstate 26, where the majority of the damage hit Erwin.
Coming closer to home Milligan also had a hand in their own efforts in providing support. Sept. 30 at 1:30 in Seeger Chapel the cabinet gathered to hold a time of prayer for the community and donations were also accepted in the garage of Little Hartland. Surveys were sent out for students, staff, and faculty to provide support to those affected.
As East Tennessee recovers and heals from severe flooding, community support remains strong.
About The Author:
Gabrielle Jones is a sophomore from Elizabethton. She is a Multimedia Journalism major and a Filmmaking minor. She is the Social Media Manager for Stampede. She enjoys horror media, reading, and film.
pictures by Gabrielle Jones
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