Across Middle Tennessee, people have come together to help those impacted by Hurricane Matthew.
The American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee Chapter in Murfreesboro held an informational meeting for potential volunteers Friday. Efforts are also ongoing to recruit more volunteers. Volunteers said the goal was to get people trained and in the field as quickly as possible.
“We are preparing to get everyone in training so they can deploy to the areas affected,” said Dianna Prince, with the American Red Cross.
Four volunteers from the chapter, and 58 from Tennessee already in Florida ready to help people affected by the storms. Volunteers are working to set up and manage shelters and make sure people in affected areas have food and water. Once the storm leaves the area, they will focus on assessing the damage and helping homeowners.
Volunteers who have deployed before said the work is challenging, but rewarding.
“A lot of people are ready and willing to take care of what happened to their homes by themselves, but then they realize how overwhelming the situation is,” said Todd Griffin, a Disaster Services volunteer with the American Red Cross. “It is very comforting when you have someone come alongside and give them home that despite this disaster, life will carry on.”
The Heart of Tennessee Chapter will hold another informational meeting Monday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. for volunteers.
The next round of volunteers were set to leave this weekend. The American Red Cross covers volunteers’ travel costs when they deploy.
The Community Foundation has also established a Hurricane Matthew Disaster Relief Fund.
"You can click the button right now and give money and boom it's there," said Pat Embry with the Community Foundation. NewsChannel 5 is partnering with the foundation for the disaster.
Grants from the Fund will be made to area nonprofits addressing needs in the impacted communities. Donations can be made by clicking here.
And 12 line formen from Middle Tennessee Electric headed out Friday morning to help get the lights back on for homes and hospitals in the hardest hit areas.
"As they go down they are going to see some difficult things. But they're going to go do their work," said Middle Tennessee Electric CEO Chris Jones.
TEMA reports state agencies like TDOT, the Tennessee National Guard, THP and others are currently sizing up their staff and equipment to see what can be spared to help with relief efforts.
