Support Roan Mountain Families After Hurricane Helene

I am Troy Rogers, and I'm a high school teacher in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. I have organized this fundraiser to raise funds for the hundreds of people who were displaced by Hurricane Helene and catastrophic flooding in the Eastern Tennessee community of Roan Mountain. My mother, Sue Stanley Rogers, was raised there, and I have dozens of family members who remain there today; thus, this fundraiser is dear to my heart, as so many people I know have been affected.

On Friday, September 27, the remnants of Hurricane Helene moved through Eastern Tennessee/Western North Carolina during the late night/early morning, producing 50-70 mph wind gusts and dumping between 10-29 inches of rain in the East Tennessee mountains. The ensuing runoff overspilt the creek beds and rushed down into the village of Roan Mountain, which was devastated by historic flooding, thus leaving hundreds of families without homes and over 200 dead in the East Tennessee/Western North Carolina region. Thousands of people are still unaccounted for, and the federal response has been extremely slow to reach people in these interior mountain regions.

All funds will be used to purchase the following items for the people of Roan Mountain, with the idea in mind that colder weather is fast approaching: propane heaters, thermal clothing, blankets, sleeping beds, winter coats, thermal socks and underwear, shoes and boots, insulated overalls, flannel shirts, blue jeans, gloves, toboggans, etc. These are the most basic of items that are desperately needed. The residents of Roan Mountain have been provided with hot meals, portable bathrooms, cases of water, formula, and immediately-needed items, but these items have been generously provided by the citizens and business owners of Roan Mountain, who have dug deep into their own pockets.

Even after eight days, as of today (10/4), THERE HAS BEEN NO FEDERAL RESPONSE/PRESENCE, NO FEMA HELP, AND NO SUPPORT FROM THE RED CROSS, UNITED WAY, OR ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION OUTSIDE OF ROAN MOUNTAIN/CARTER COUNTY. NO HELP IS COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE COMMUNITY. CITIZENS THEMSELVES ARE PROVIDING MEALS/FOOD/MEDICINE, CUTTING TREES, CLEARING ROADS, AND HELPING THEIR NEIGHBORS IN NEED

The long term needs as fall weather approaches are warm clothing and survival gear for winter weather.

We humbly ask for your help in this campaign, and I personally will deliver these items by truck or U-Haul after the drive has ended. We appreciate each generous donation, and no amount is too small. Your prayers are also requested, and thank you for any consideration you can give to the needy people of Roan Mountain, Tennessee, whose lives have forever been changed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Donations will be divided as follows when purchasing items:

40% - Propane Heaters ($1600+)

60% - Winter Coats, Long-Sleeved Flannel Shirts, Shoes/Socks/Boots, Thermal Clothing, Toboggans/Gloves, Sleeping Bags ($2400+)