TOPS Cares

Flood Relief Resources A Long-Term Commitment to Caring: E rn K tu y

Rebuilding Eastern Kentucky is going to take years and the ongoing fi nancial support of Kentuckians from across the state. Networks nationwide covered the events of July 28 when Eastern Kentucky experienced fl ooding of historic proportions leaving much of the area devasted. We watched as hundreds of homes, several schools, and numerous businesses were completely destroyed. At the time of this writing, 455 people were still being housed in contingency congregate shelters or Kentucky state parks. More tragically, 39 lives had been lost. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, with every news channel showing constant footage, we naturally feel compelled to donate, to volunteer, to help. Now, weeks later, though the news coverage has waned, the need has not.

According to Lora Smith, the Chief Strategy Offi cer at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, “Recovery is going to take years and it’s hard in this moment to articulate what ‘recovery’ means for a region marked by under investment, environmental degradation, social and economic inequity, and generational poverty. Our hope is that we do not ‘recover’ to return to the type of normal that led to this deadly fl ooding and tens of thousands of low-income families being displaced, but rather use this opportunity to reimagine and create an Eastern Kentucky that better serves all people.” When asked how fellow Kentuckians can help, Smith said, “Volunteers and cash donations are our two largest needs at the moment. If you can donate, please give to local organizations based inside the region. Your dollars go the furthest that way.” To this end, we have compiled a list of trusted fl ood relief resources and volunteer opportunities.

General

Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund

Established by Governor Beshear, the Team Kentucky fund is focused on rebuilding the affected communities in the coming year. All donations are tax-deductible and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes. To donate: https://secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/ EKYFloodRelief

Community-Based Organizations

Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky

The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is a community foundation that fosters local leadership, builds and strengthens communities, and grows local philanthropy through grants to people and organizations making a positive impact within the region. Their current crisis fund goes toward mobilizing ongoing fl ood relief and long-term change. “The devastation we are seeing on the ground is huge in scale and depth, and it’s also been a long time coming.

The flood was not a one off natural disaster, but signals the type of flooding and severe weather events we will now be experiencing on the regular,” Smith said. “We have entered into a new phase of living in the region that must directly confront and work in seriousness to mitigate the devastating and inequitable economic, environmental, and human legacy extractive industries have created for Appalachian people to endure while driving the creation of wealth in other parts of the state like Central Kentucky.” To donate: https://www.appalachianky.org

Eastern Kentucky Mutual Aid

Eastern Kentucky (eKy) Mutual Aid describes itself as “a network of neighbors and kinfolks offering support and solidarity across the 606.Hillbillies helping Hillbillies, y’all.” To donate: Paypal or Venmo at @ekymutualaid

Arts and Cultural Groups

Appalshop

Since 1969, Appalshop has used film, theatre, and music to educate on the region’s history and diversity, encourage the sharing of Appalachian voices, and empower young people. Appalshop, which started as a community film workshop, has been instrumental in introducing the rest of the world to the rich and complex culture of Appalachia through its movie, television, and radio projects. Help them continue to bring these stories to life. To donate: https://appalshop.salsalabs.org/ AppalshopGeneralGiving/index.html

Hindman Settlement School

Hindman Settlement School, founded in 1902, provides education and service programs centered around health, nutrition, cultural preservation, and literacy; among these are programs for children with dyslexia, agricultural initiatives to combat food insecurity, and traditional art and music classes. Each year, Hindman also holds the Appalachian Writers’ Workshop, attracting some of the most talented writers from across the state who gather to hone their skills. This year’s event was cut short by the flooding. To donate: https://hindman.org/

Volunteer Opportunities

If you would like to donate your time, talents, and energy as well as money, there are still volunteer opportunities available. “We also need more people in Eastern Kentucky helping to muck out houses and feed folks. There are many ways to volunteer in various counties by partnering with local nonprofits and mutual aid networks with boots on the ground. My suggestions are to connect with the Housing Development Alliance, HOMES Inc., CANE Kitchen, and Feeding East Kentucky to help,” said Smith. The residents of Eastern Kentucky will never forget the flood of 2022 and neither should we. As we return to business as usual, we must remember the numerous individuals who are living each day in a new normal rife with challenges and uncertainty. In closing, Smith said, “Local people understand that this is long-term work that will take months and years to do. Many of us are tired after our first three weeks of working nonstop and ask that in the coming weeks and months you continue to think of Eastern Kentucky. Keep donating and keep volunteering in the region.” •