Join the Effort to Rebuild Resilient Communities Post-Flood

Southern West Virginia residents are still clearing mud, mold and destroyed belongings from their homes and properties more than two months after flash flooding impacted 13 counties. 

According to volunteers on the ground, such as Sydnei Tatum, who was born and raised in McDowell County and currently lives across the border in Virginia, the need is still great. A mother and photographer, Sydnei put her photography business on hold to document and assist with clean-up efforts. She says many people live off the beaten path outside the main towns in the area. Roads and bridges are out. People live in homes with wet carpets, wet mattresses, wet walls and mold. Many cannot afford to repair their homes, rebuild their homes, or move to another location. 

For people who have received FEMA assistance in McDowell County, for example, the dollar amount is typically not enough to repair, rebuild, or move. Furthermore, there are few or no homes or apartments to rent. Even if people can afford to repair or rebuild, few licensed contractors are available to do the work.

Volunteers from civic organizations, faith groups, communities, and West Virginia students continue to fill the gap in clean-up efforts. In many instances, these friends and neighbors are the only help southern West Virginians have received. 

What You Can Do

VOLUNTEER

Southern West Virginia Flood Response: Tommy Thompson, a musician and West Virginia University student, is working with about 10 fellow students to lead what Tommy calls a single-minded effort, the “Southern West Virginia Flood Response,” to get volunteers to southern WV.  They organize, schedule, and carry out clean-up efforts. To date, they’ve worked with about 40 volunteers and have made two trips to southern WV. They’re currently seeking volunteers for the next trip. You can fill out their volunteer form here.

WV Conference of the United Methodist Church Disaster Response: The WV Conference of the United Methodist Church publicizes volunteer efforts and ways to support Southern WV Flood Relief at its Disaster Response sites:

https://www.wvumc.org/news-detail/support-southern-wv-flood-relief-18924425

https://www.facebook.com/WVUMCDisasterResponse

DONATE

Blue Jay Rising:  https://www.bluejayrising.org/rapid_response

WV Conference of the United Methodist Church Disaster Response: https://www.wvumc.org/news-detail/support-southern-wv-flood-relief-18924425

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

Southern West Virginia flooding issues must be addressed in the short and long term. The needs range from better flood preparation, management and prevention, to rebuilding roads, bridges, and culverts; addressing creeks and waterways that carry refuse during flooding, causing bottlenecks and more flooding; ensuring people have enough assistance to recover, rebuild or relocate; and more. 

These problems are only amplified by existing needs for safe drinking water and wastewater services, more and better housing, along with high poverty levels and a large population of elderly or disabled residents in some southern West Virginia counties. All of this requires funding, but it first requires a commitment at all levels of government to address the problems.  

We encourage West Virginia legislators to begin that process: visit the area, form working groups that include local people at the table and talk with residents about what they need.

WV Rivers Coalition has launched an action alert urging lawmakers to invest in long-term solutions:

• Urge WV lawmakers to fund the Flood Resiliency Trust Fund during the special session.

• Tell Congress to support disaster recovery and flood-ready infrastructure.

Our communities can’t wait. Fill out the action alert today to help build a stronger, safer West Virginia.

Let your elected representative know what you think. You can find your West Virginia Legislators at: https://wvecouncil.org/wv-legislature/