Hurricane Helene slammed into the southeast US on Thursday, Sept. 26th as an extremely powerful Category 4 hurricane. The storm took an unexpected turn, veering into eastern Georgia, South Carolina, western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. Its path of destruction was massive, including here in the Appalachia region. Thousands were without water, power, resources, and homes. The impact from Hurricane Helene will be forever felt in this part of the country.
First United Methodist Church of Newport is gathering information, securing supplies, and helping to organize volunteers to assist Newport, Cocke County, and the region in the recovery process.
Please find below opportunities to serve, agencies to contact, and helpful hints as we rebuild and restore our community.
Please find below opportunities to serve, agencies to contact, and helpful hints as we rebuild and restore our community.
First UMC Newport in the news (Oct. 1, 2024)
Please make sure you are getting the factual and up-to-date information concerning the storm disaster relief. Here are websites and Facebook accounts with the correct information:
~ Cocke County Official Government Website: www.cockecountytn.gov/
~ Cocke County Emergency Management Agency: www.facebook.com/cockecountyema
~ Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis: www.facebook.com/RobMathisforCountyMayor
~ Cocke County Official Government Website: www.cockecountytn.gov/
~ Cocke County Emergency Management Agency: www.facebook.com/cockecountyema
~ Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis: www.facebook.com/RobMathisforCountyMayor
Hurricane Relief and Volunteer Opportunities
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~ The Cocke County Long-Term Recovery Group (L.T.R.G.) is assisting families and businesses with Helene flood recovery. If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance, please contact the L.T.R.G. at 4239306052. You can also send an email to [email protected].
Their website is also up and running at cockecountyltrg.org |
~ For those that would like to make monetary donations, the Cocke County Relief Fund QR code is up and running!
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~ Disaster Legal Services are available to low-income, elderly, and other vulnerable residents in Cocke County (as well as Carter, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties) who were affected by the storm & are unable to afford their own lawyer.
~ Call 1-844-HELP4TN (844-435-7486). Leave a message if no one answers, and your call will be returned. ~ Callers can get assistance with many legal issues ~ Attorneys cannot help in all cases, including ones in which a settlement could result in legal fees or an award. These cases will be referred for other legal help. |
~ If you are a small business or industry in Newport or Cocke County, and you have damages or job loss, please reach out to the Cocke County Partnership at [email protected] or call the partnership at 4237209676. They will be working to assist with employers and employees.
~ The Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church is committed to helping the affected areas recover. You can head over to a special webpage on the Holston Conference website to learn how to help: www.holston.org/article/18660603