On August 8th, after spending time on the ground, volunteers met to discuss the work they’ve previously committed to since the devastating flooding in central Appalachia and how they wish to move forward in the most people-oriented, community-centric way. At that juncture, they had been hard at work volunteering in communities like Pound, Jenkins, and Hemphill. They had been on the ground, coordinating behind-the-scenes efforts, and in contact with those immediately impacted. Direct action measures include store runs, funds in hand, and even facilitating deliveries of home repair items like cinder blocks. We asked ourselves how to lend even more impactful assistance, and have come to this conclusion:

This is where the offering of a stipend to those that to us with the ask. Our prerogative is to help without judgment, and the fastest way to do so was to get money directly in hand to cover immediate needs (food, shelter, etc). This pledge of support also included small community centers (such as those in Jenkins, Hemphill, and Neon) that needed donations to continue meeting the distribution needs for affected community members.

If this disaster reminded us of anything, it is of the fierce spirit and connectedness to which mountain folks so strongly cleave. Lord-willin’ and the creek don’t rise, cause even if it does we have a tendency of lifting each other toward the sun.