January 12, 2024
Every day, United Way works to mobilize resources and engage partners across service areas to help meet the critical needs of our communities, and even more so in times of crisis. The December 9, 2023 tornados have left a path of destruction across Tennessee counties that United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region and United Way of Greater Nashville serve, and we are working together to assist with relief and recovery efforts.
United Way of Greater Nashville has established emergency disaster funds to assist in these efforts for both long- and short-term. Donors have the ability to choose from two funds – the Tornado Response fund and the Tennessee Emergency Response fund. To donate, and to see how funds received to date have been allocated, please visit United Way of Greater Nashville’s page, Helping Communities Recover, or click the Take Action button below.
Additionally, our partners at Hands on Nashville have established volunteer opportunities for those wishing to help in the recovery efforts and assist agencies. To sign up, please visit the Hands On Nashville site, and be sure to register before arriving at service areas. Opportunities are available in both Clarksville and Nashville.
Those affected by the tornados can utilize the following resources:
- City of Clarksville Tornado Assistance – The City of Clarksville “has launched a comprehensive assistance program encompassing various initiatives, including home repair, home demolition, rebuilding, rental assistance, and other support.” To request assistance, please visit the city’s “Request Tornado Assistance” page.
- Habitat for Humanity – Habitat for Humanity ReStore is providing vouchers to replace home goods, furniture, or other items lost in the Clarksville tornado. To qualify for a voucher, you must reside in the disaster area. Vouchers are only being distributed through the Irene Center for Hope. You may call them at (931)591-8610 or email theirenecenterforhope@gmail.com. Vouchers can be used at Clarksville ReStore located at 404 Madison Street, Clarksville, Monday – Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM.
- Irene Center for Hope – Survivors of the December 9 tornados in need of shelter/housing can call or text for assistance to (931)591-8610.
- SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) – Call the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline at 800-985-5990 or text “Talk With Us” for English or “Hablamos” for Spanish to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. If American Sign Language (ASL) is your primary or preferred language, use your videophone to call 800-985-5990 or click on “ASL Now” at disasterdistress.gov.
- The Old Firehouse Day Shelter – The shelter can assist with deposits and 1st – 4th months’ rent for those displaced by the tornado and need to relocate and is taking crisis appointments for electricity and gas. They are also open for laundry, showers, food, and clothing. Please call (931)542-0381.
- TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development – For Disaster Unemployment Assistance, apply at Jobs4TN.gov or call 1(877)813-0950. Application deadline is January 16, 2024.
- TEMA (Tennessee Emergency Management Agency) – Follow TEMA’s Facebook page for updates and/or changes regarding relief efforts and various resources for businesses and individuals affected by the tornados.
Thank you for your support of United Way, and ultimately, our communities! We are better together!
