Volunteers start difficult work of cleaning up after devastation of Hurricane Helene
APPALACHIA – (October 18, 2024) Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) has identified 18 homes where volunteers and CAP staff will help families clean up and mitigate against black mold in the coming weeks. Volunteers have already logged nearly 500 service hours helping families determine what work needs to be done on homes that can be saved. CAP’s Command Center is located in Johnson City which allows CAP Disaster Relief teams to serve Washington, Clark, Unicoi, and Greenville Counties.
“I am grateful that when families are hurting following a disaster, CAP staff from a variety of programs come together to help those families get back on their feet,” said Robyn Renner, director of CAP’s Disaster Relief. “Staff from Operation Sharing and Facilities Management have been so gracious in making sure we have what we need at the command center so that we can help as many families as we can.”
Operation Sharing has sent three semi tractors of disaster relief supplies to help families in Eastern Tennessee impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. In addition, the Clark County Fire Department joined with Operation Sharing to deliver multiple truckloads of essential items.
“We have gathered supplies to send to the main distribution center in Bristol, Tn. The affected counties will be able to access all the supplies we’re sending, including cleaning materials, hygiene products, tarps, tents, grills, shovels, tools, food, and drinks, among other critical items,” said Aaron Thoms, manager of CAP’s Operation Sharing program in Paintsville, Ky.
Staff from CAP’s programs that serve children and families in McCreary County also brought a mobile classroom to shelters and community centers in impacted communities. Children were given an opportunity to color, play, and have story time while parents and caregivers worked to clean up mud and debris from their homes.
To donate today, please visit christianapp.org/respond and follow us on social media for updates about CAP’s response.