After a week of record-shattering rainfall, powerful floods devastated parts of eastern Kentucky, destroying buildings and leaving many without drinking water, cell phone service, and power. Scores of people have died or remain missing. Here are some ways to help Kentuckians in need:
Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund
Organized by Governor Andy Beshear, the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund is accepting monetary donations to aid communities affected by flooding.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Appalachian Regional Healthcare system operates hospitals across central Kentucky. They are accepting monetary donations and collecting essential supplies for affected Kentuckians at their Lexington office.
Virginia-based nonprofit Mercy Chefs has deployed to eastern Kentucky to serve hot meals to victims and search-and-rescue teams. Donate here.
The Appalachian Impact Fund supports Appalachian culture and helps develop local economies in eastern Kentucky. They are accepting monetary donations for flood victims here.
The Cowan Community Center in Whitesburg, Kentucky, is working together with CANE Kitchen and the City of Whitesburg Farmers Market to provide lodging, warm meals, medicine, and water to those in need. Donate funds here.
The mutual aid fund offers assistance to people in need in and around southwestern Virginia. They are currently accepting donations for Kentucky communities affected by flooding.
The Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center
The nonprofit law center seeks justice for Appalachian residents harmed by coal pollution. You can help support the organization’s efforts to restore their office, which was severely damaged in the flood, here.
Established in 1902 as the first rural settlement school in America, the Hindman offers educational courses and community development for central Appalachia. The school, which was damaged in the flood, is seeking monetary donations to provide food, shelter, and other essential items for its own recovery as well as for the community.
The Kentucky clothing brand has joined forces with the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky to create an Eastern Kentucky Strong flood-relief T-shirt, with proceeds from the sales going to those in need. Purchase the shirt here.
Southern Smoke Emergency Relief
Anyone in the food and beverage industry—from farmer to distiller to restaurant or bar worker—is eligible for Southern Smoke Emergency Relief funds if they were affected by flooding in Kentucky, including lost wages, destroyed homes or transportation, or injuries. Apply here.
CORE is a global crisis response organization responding to flood victims’ needs in Letcher County. They are aiding the community with debris removal, providing hygiene kits, and setting up WiFi access and laptop stations. You can donate here.
To learn more about a charity before donating, consult Charity Navigator.
