Monthly Archives: December, 2011
Donate Nashville: Connecting People In Need With Neighbors Who Care [Flood 2010]
Here at Nashvillest, we’re really excited to announce the launch of a tool that we and many other volunteers in the community have worked hard to pull together this week: DonateNashville.org. Donate Nashville is Craigslist-style online tool to connect folks who have time or resources with those who need help recovering and rebuilding.
We’ve been absolutely floored by the outpouring of kindness from folks all over Tennessee (and really, all over the country) wanting to send supplies, donate money, or do a million other creative things. And by “floored,” we mean that it has become impossible for us to answer every e-mail and tweet, even though we continue to find ourselves overwhelmed and touched by each one of them. With this new project, we’re aiming to create searchable database of disaster-relief supplies, volunteers and requests for help. Donate Nashville brings together members of the Nashville community in real time to meet the most practical of each other’s needs – one connection at a time.
The site is focused on two basic things: “I Need” and “I Have”:
- I Need: Users who are in need of a hand or material donations can list those needs. Volunteer requests can be entered by date, time, neighborhood and number of volunteers, and can be searched by volunteers willing to help during a specific date and time. Material donations can be entered, allowing users to first search the database to make an instant connection if items are available or to create a new listing.
- I Have: Users with time or material donations can list what they have to offer. When a volunteer enters a time donation, the engine will search the “I Need” section for any open volunteer opportunities available during the specified time. When material donations are entered, they are added to a database of available resources to be matched with people searching for those needs.
If materials or time are not available on the site, Donate Nashville points folks to existing resources like Hands On Nashville and United Way’s 2-1-1 service. In order to maintain confidentiality, users can choose between showing or hiding their contact information, much like Craigslist. When matches are found, people can contact each other directly or through the Donate Nashville website.
The thing is, it only works if you guys use it. We would really love to see it become a valuable tool for you guys in the months to come, because we’re going to need all the help we can get to stay organized. We don’t trust ourselves to keep everything straight in our own inbox! So whether it’s a sump pump, a truckload of bottled water, a pack of underwear, or your Sunday afternoon, head over to DonateNashville.org and add it to the pot. And if you need something, add that too.
Donate Nashville was developed by members of the Nashville Tech Community, The United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, Cool People Care and your editors here at Nashvillest.
To learn more, contribute and keep up with Donate Nashville’s efforts, visit www.donatenashville.org or follow us on Twitter @DonateNashville or on our Facebook fan page.
Here at Nashvillest, we’re really excited to announce the launch of a tool that we and many other volunteers in the community have worked hard to pull together this week: DonateNashville.org. Donate Nashville is Craigslist-style online tool to connect folks who have time or resources with those who need help recovering and rebuilding. We’ve been absolutely [...]
Here’s The Deal: Post-Flood Progress Report [Flood 2010]
We’re finally starting to wrap our minds around the damage to our city as best we can, and we continue to have our minds blown at the progress that’s being made on the clean-up each day. We’ve got quite the mess on our hands and we’re dealing with it, because that’s what we do. We’ve been getting a ton of questions from you guys by email and Twitter, so we wanted to give you an update on, well, everything we could find. For the more official information, check TEMA’s latest update as well as this morning’s press release from Metro.
Landmarks We Love:
- Bridgestone Arena: There was extensive damage to the floor, carpeting and walls on the event level. Officials started assessing for any structural or other kind of damage on Wednesday, and although there’s no timetable for assessment, they expect to be all prettied up in time for James Taylor and Carole King on May 22nd.
- Country Music Hall of Fame: The Hall of Fame was able to open back up today despite some significant flooding in the mechanical room (and by “significant,” we mean 5 1/2 feet of water!) and some water damage to the Ford Theater. None of the exhibits were damaged and repairs and restoration have already begun on the theater.
- Gaylord Opryland Hotel: We’re pretty sure that everyone saw the footage from inside Music City’s most well-known hotel, and it was pretty disturbing. And yeah, it really was that bad. The best estimate we’ve been able to dig up is that it should be back open “before the end of the year,” and they’re not accepting any reservations through October. Gaylord’s employees will continue to get paid for at least the next six weeks, but lots of folks are out of work. The Opryland Hotel also brings in 25% of Davidson County’s hotel tax revenue, so the economic impact could be huge. Then there was the whole issue of classified Defense Department documents going missing in the floodwaters.
- Grand Ole Opry House: This is another disturbing photo that made its way around the internet. At the peak of the flood, two feet of water covered the actual Opryland stage. Officials say they some of the more important stuff (Opry costumes and parts of the set, maybe?) to higher ground and saved them. The stage will need to be completely replaced, but that famous circle of wood cutout from the original Ryman stage is in “surprisingly good shape” and will likely be salvaged. Until the Opry House gets back on its feet, it’ll be making the rounds to a few different interim venues.
- LP Field: We all saw LP Field pretty much transform into a swimming pool earlier this week, but thankfully the damage seems to be minimal. Some water leaked into the locker rooms and the working level so the carpets are ruined, but it’s nothing that a little insurance coverage won’t fix. Even the practice bubble over in MetroCenter made it through unscathed. We can only hope this is a good omen for next season.
- Nashville Farmer’s Market: Again, the pictures of Rosa Parks Dr. near the Farmer’s Market were pretty daunting. However, the farm sheds and flea market are both open for business today. If you plan on heading out there to support them (and you should!), check their website first for some small parking and procedural changes. The inside part won’t be opening for at least another week.
- Opry Mills: We haven’t been able to dig up much information on the mall itself, but by the looks of the video footage and the fact that it’s right next to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, we can’t imagine it’s doing too well. We just know that there aren’t any piranhas swimming around, despite an earlier report from WKRN. Much like the hotel, we expect that any sort of long-term mall closure could have some pretty big economic repercussions on many levels.
- Ryman Auditorium: Totally didn’t flood at all. In fact, they already hosted the Grand Ole Opry show this past weekend while the Opry House mopped up and they’ll be hosting a few more in the coming months.
- Schermerhorn Symphony Center. It was a close call, but the floodwater missed the actual concert hall and stage by 8-12 inches. Unfortunately the basement level filled up with water almost entirely, and their fancy (and gorgeous) $2.5 million organ took a major hit with both the console and operating mechanism suffering extensive damage. They also lost two beautiful Steinway grand pianos and their entire kitchen, which were also in the basement. They don’t expect to open for 4-6 weeks and will probably take the show on the road around Nashville, much like the Opry will. Folks who have tickets for shows in the next few weeks are welcome to request a refund.
Water:
- Two counties are still under mandatory water orders: Davidson and Williamson (that includes you, Franklin and Brentwood). Until further notice, we’re supposed to be cutting back on our water usage by not using it for much else besides drinking. As of Friday morning, our reserves were back up to 56% from the rock-bottom 37% earlier this week In Davidson, our second treatment facility is still down for the count and officials have no idea when it’ll be fixed. So! If you see grass-watering or car-washing (and you know for sure that they’re not using repurposed floodwater,) call 615-862-4600 to report it to Metro. The Tennessean has put together a great collection of resources on water conservation.
- Metro is handing out the non-drinkable water for cleaning, watering yards, and other stuff that doesn’t require it to be potable. More information about that here.
- Our drinking water is still completely safe. Don’t believe what you hear.
Damage:
- According to Mayor Dean, the damage assessment (so far) is at $1.5 billion, some of which will not be covered by FEMA.
Federal Assistance:
- There are 30 42 counties in Tennessee that have been declared disaster areas by the Federal Government and the number keeps rising. Those counties are: Benton, Carroll, Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, DeKalb, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lucas, Macon, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Smith Stewart, Sumner, Tipton, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson
- People in these counties are eligible to apply for FEMA assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired).
Transportation/Road Closures:
- All major interstates and highways are open. TDOT has inspected all the major bridges and everything is fine. They’re more concerned about the bridges on rural county roads.
- Nashville MTA buses are running on a limited Sunday/Holiday schedule. Information for this weekend’s routes can be found here and those planning to ride on Monday should check out next week’s update. Until the buses are back on a normal schedule, most fares will be free.
- The Music City Star commuter train will start running a limited route on Monday.
- Oh and according to TEMA, we all get to drive in the HOV lanes of metropolitan areas for the next 30 days no matter how many folks (or how few, really) we have in the car. That’s exciting, right?
Shelters:
- There are still 16 Red Cross shelters open. But the number of folks using them has dropped from 1,300 to 406, so that’s great news. Check the Red Cross website for up-to-date information about what they’re doing around town besides running shelters.
Power Outages:
- The number of folks without power has dropped from 150,000 to 3,300. Party!
Photo by Malcolm MacGregor.
We’re finally starting to wrap our minds around the damage to our city as best we can, and we continue to have our minds blown at the progress that’s being made on the clean-up each day. We’ve got quite the mess on our hands and we’re dealing with it, because that’s what we do. We’ve [...]
Flood FAQ: Clearing Up The Information Disaster [Flood 2010]
Q. How can I help? I have [insert item to be donated] in my trunk and [insert shelter name] won’t answer their phone/told me to go away! My boss is giving me the day off work but I don’t know how to volunteer!
A. March yourself on over to our post entitled So Nashville Is Flooded… How Can I Help? and take a look around, then call up your neighbors and friends to see if they need anything. Nashville is full of fantastic people, and they need your help. We’ll also take this opportunity to remind you that Hands On Nashville is heading up all official, FEMA-funded relief efforts, so sign up to volunteer through them and you can’t go wrong!
Q. I need help! I was a victim of the flood! Where can I go? What should I do?
A. If you are displaced and need housing, the Red Cross is operating several shelters in the immediate and outlying areas. Go here for a complete list. Many of the hotels in the area are willing to cut you a special deal as a victim of flooding, so just call and ask. Start with the Sheraton. If you’re overwhelmed with all of that, call the United Way at 2-1-1 and they’ll hook you up. You can also apply for FEMA aid beginning Wednesday May 5 at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired). These numbers will operate from 7am-10pm, 7 days a week until further notice.
Q. My house is a mess… Where do I even start on cleaning this up?
A. Start with this helpful guide on cleaning up a flooded home. Other useful tips on cleanup can be found here and here, and you can find some general guidelines on dealing with mold here. Invaluable family photos need saving? Try following the tips here. Saved stuff that needs to be stored? StorPlace Self Storage will give you a free month. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There is a community of people out there waiting to help you, all you have to do is ask!
Q. What about the animals? Is someone taking care of them?
A. Yes! Happy Tales Humane in The Factory in Franklin can temporarily take in small-to-medium sized dogs of displaced homeowners. Animal Ark Animal Hospital is doing the same for dogs and other types of pets. Nashville Humane Society is collecting donated pet food and supplies to distribute. AARF in Cookeville has also offered to take in displaced animals if the need arises. And if your pet was injured, Brown Dog Foundation is offering up to $300 to stabilize and/or treat displaced, injured pets.
Q. Oopsie… Where can I get a free/inexpensive tetanus shot?
A. Community centers across the city are giving free tetanus shots after 12pm every day and until at least 4pm. Go HERE to find the locations.
Q. How can I conserve water? I need to shower!
A. Take a Navy shower. Seriously. Don’t water your flowers, wash your car, do your laundry or dishes (aren’t we all looking for an excuse to avoid chores?) and definitely don’t get out the garden hose and start washing away debris from the flood. Conserve. Be conservative with your water usage. Cool People Care has an entertaining and informative list of ways to help you do your part. Need more help? Great tips here and here. We’re all smelly by now, no one will notice if you don’t shower.
Q. How do I get rid of all this crap in my house/yard/car/new water fixture in the backyard? When/where/how will Metro pick up flood debris?
A. Separate your crap into four piles – One for white goods and metal (appliances, etc), one for construction and demolition debris (lumber, windows, etc), another for vegetation (brush, limbs and yard waste) and yet another for household trash (including carpet). There is no current pickup schedule, but go ahead and get that stuff out by the curb. Not in the alley, not trucked over to the Metro Convenience Center, by the curb. If you don’t follow the instructions, your stuff won’t get picked up. So do what we’re telling you to do, please. PS: If your trash or recycling bin was washed away in the flood, bag, tie and clearly label your trash and recycling (separated, of course). Then call 880-1000 for a replacement bin.
Q. Is [insert name of road] closed/open?
A. All interstates and most main roads have reopened, and will continue to do so as the waters recede. It’s hard for even TDOT to keep up with the reopenings – And that’s a great thing, because it means our roads are reopening rapidly! Check out their closures map anyway, follow @TN511 and @NashTraffic on Twitter, and try Nashville.gov’s road closures map too.
Q. Is there a gas shortage? I got an email forward about it, so it must be true!
A. The truth? There will be a gas shortage… if you create one. Some gas shipments have been delayed, but there is plenty to go around. Please don’t panic and start hoarding gas, because we all remember (and wish we could forget) the last time that happened.
Q. I heard they were cutting off the water supply! The same coworker that told me there was a gas shortage told me so!
A. No. The answer is no. Unless your information is coming from Metro Water, don’t worry about it, and certainly don’t hoard water. Then we’ll have a problem, and it will be your coworker’s fault.
Q. Um, Nashvillest, I emailed/tweeted you 17 minutes ago and you haven’t replied back with an answer to my question. What gives? I need an answer! Didn’t anyone tell you there’s a FLOOD?
A. We’re just two people with full-time day jobs trying to help out this city that we love in the best way that we can. If we haven’t replied to you, it means that we don’t know the answer BUT we are working hard to figure it out. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, but please be patient if we can’t answer your question immediately. Help us out by referring your friends & family to this FAQ or our How Can I Help? post when they are in need of information.
If your question isn’t answered here (it probably isn’t), feel free to leave it in the comments so that either us or others can help you out.
Photo by Vic James Photography.
Q. How can I help? I have [insert item to be donated] in my trunk and [insert shelter name] won’t answer their phone/told me to go away! My boss is giving me the day off work but I don’t know how to volunteer! A. March yourself on over to our post entitled So Nashville Is [...]
Local Businesses Pitch In For Flood Relief [Flood 2010]
Is there anything more heart-warming than seeing this city pull together in a time of need? Alongside the rest of us, local businesses are doing their part for Nashville – Donating time, money and food for volunteers, bringing in water from out of state for day-to-day operations, using recyclable dishes to avoid washing dishes, and more. If you’re a pre-flood Nashvillest reader, you know that we encourage our community to support local businesses whenever possible, and during a crisis is no exception.
Batter’d & Fried, Drifters and Beyond The Edge in East Nashville are using disposable cups and plates to cut down on water usage during the shortage. Mafiaoza’s is going a step further, using only bottled water and even asking patrons to use portable bathrooms! Frothy Monkey and their new baby sister Burger Up brought in water from out of town to continue operations without putting a strain on the water system. Hungry after a long day of volunteer work? Show these businesses some love, and be sure to thank them for doing their part.
- Allium Cafe: Bring in proof of an aid-related donation of $10 or more and Allium will give you a 25% off your food check through Thursday, May 6.
- Amerigo: Will provide food to volunteer groups helping with cleanup. Contact Doug at doug@amerigo.net for more info.
- Bravo Gelato: Making Sangria and Margarita sorbet (in the midst of a flood, Cinco de Mayo goes on!) tomorrow at the Village Green location. An unspecified percentage of the proceeds will go to flood relief.
- Davis Kidd: Donating 20% of sales to Hands On Nashville this Saturday, May 8th from 1-4 pm. A book fair will also be held to benefit Hands On Nashville the same day.
- Dollar General: Accepting Red Cross donations at the checkout.
- Dunn Bros: Dunn Brothers Coffee downtown is offering free coffee to anyone who donates blood at the Red Cross Blood drive tomorrow (May 6) at the L&C Tower on the 17th floor
- Flyte: If your favorite restaurant is closed or you can’t get there, Flyte will mail them a check for 15% of your total bill! They are also able to do limited cooking and deliveries. Contact satkinson31@mac.com for more info.
- Germantown Cafe: Germantown Cafe is offering 25% off your total bill through Thursday for anyone who can show that they have donated at least $10 for flood relief.
- Harris Teeter: Stores in Davidson and Williamson county are giving out free water to those in need as long as their supply lasts.
- Java Joe’s: Java Joe’s is in Lebanon, but they are donating 10% of their profits in the month of May to flood relief.
- Kroger: Accepting food donations and monetary donations at checkouts.
- Tayst: Tayst donated around 200 boxed lunches to area victims yesterday, and will continue to help.
- Thriftsmart: Offering churches and other non-profit organizations the opportunity to purchase items at 50% off regular price for flood victims. Just call 833-8200 to have a manager assist.
- Troubadour Vintage: Donating 30% of all Troubadour sales for the next 30 days to aid Nashville flood relief efforts.
- Whole Foods Green Hills: Fundraising at registers for the Red Cross’s Middle TN Relief Efforts. Donate any dollar amount at the checkouts or collect toiletries for the Red Cross. Donation food bags will be available for purchase by Friday to donate to Second Harvest.
Did we miss anyone? Let us know and we’ll add them to the roundup.
Photo by niseag03.
Is there anything more heart-warming than seeing this city pull together in a time of need? Alongside the rest of us, local businesses are doing their part for Nashville – Donating time, money and food for volunteers, bringing in water from out of state for day-to-day operations, using recyclable dishes to avoid washing dishes, and [...]
Happy Hour: Hold On, Y’all. We Got This. [Flood 2010]
It’s been another long day for Music City, but the waters are receding and the real work is underway. Here’s some of the latest news from around the midstate:
- President Obama finally declared us a disaster area, meaning that flood victims are now eligible to receive FEMA aid. To apply, call (800) 621-FEMA.
- The rumors of the city shutting off water are absolutely untrue. Don’t believe your Facebook friends, don’t believe your coworkers, don’t believe your neighbors… just conserve. Easy enough, right?
- And by “conserve” we mean don’t panic and fill your bathtub. Be smart about it and use as much bottled water as you can in place of tap water.
- Metro Schools are closed tomorrow for the third day straight, and they may not have to make up the days.
- Four teens were rescued after going missing earlier in Williamson County after trying to go canoeing in the Harpeth River.
- Power will probably be out in parts of downtown through the end of the week. NES is trying hard, but they can’t do much until the water recedes.
- Public health officials are a little concerned about the effects contamination in the floodwaters.
- MTA and RTA will resume bus service starting Thursday on a limited basis. The buses will be running on a Sunday/Holiday schedule and they’ll be free. Music City Star is still down for the count.
- WSMV takes a look at what flooding victims should do if they don’t have flood insurance, which describes the situation for most folks in Middle Tennessee.
- Now that the flood waters are receding, road crews are having a heckuva time assessing the damage.
- The Army Corps of Engineers are saying that all the water they released from area dams yesterday prevented a bad situation from getting much worse.
- The Metro Nashville Police Department is getting a real workout this week.
Photo by Jim Leigh.
It’s been another long day for Music City, but the waters are receding and the real work is underway. Here’s some of the latest news from around the midstate: President Obama finally declared us a disaster area, meaning that flood victims are now eligible to receive FEMA aid. To apply, call (800) 621-FEMA. The rumors [...]
The People Speak: “We Are Nashville” [Flood 2010]
Seeing a city so near and dear to our hearts be ravaged by floodwaters has been devastating to all of us. Yet we sit here, a little misty-eyed, as people worldwide arrive at Nashvillest by googling “how can I help Nashville?” We’re all responding to the disaster in different ways, and we’d like to take a few moments to feature other bloggers’ responses. Since we’d be here all day if we tried to include everyone, feel free to leave a link to your own blog post in the comments if we missed it. We love you, Nashville. We really do.
And we promise we’ll be back to your usual snarky, less-sappy Nashvillest soon.
To kick things off, RexBlog brought (more) tears to our eyes with “Because it is Nashville, a new song starts tomorrow.”
- Stephen Yeargin: “Not landlocked anymore” and “Sandbags”
- Goldni: “I Don’t Get It”
- East Nashville Blog: “The Great Nashville Flood of 2010″
- Kristine Neeley: “This Is Our Home”
- Annie Blogs: “Stories of Rain”
- South Nashville Life: “Nashville Life”
- I [Heart] Nashville: “Nashville Needs Your Help” (pictured above)
- Shakesville: “The Situation In Nashville”
- Tiny Cat Pants: Ah, heck, just read everything.
- Holly Wynne: “Down in the flood” and “More about our flood”
- Lori Lenz: “Nashville Flood, part 2″
- Southern Beale: “Devastating” and “After the Deluge”
- Avalon Acres Farm: Perspective on cleanup
- Looking For Like: “Rebuild This City On Rock and Roll”
- Nate News: “Nashville, Breathe”
- Huffington Post: “They Are Nashville: Standing By Music City”
And finally, this eloquent post from Patten Fuqua over at Section 303 pretty much wraps it up: We Are Nashville.
Illustration by Kyle Jones (@JustKyle).
Seeing a city so near and dear to our hearts be ravaged by floodwaters has been devastating to all of us. Yet we sit here, a little misty-eyed, as people worldwide arrive at Nashvillest by googling “how can I help Nashville?” We’re all responding to the disaster in different ways, and we’d like to take [...]
Bright & Early: Waterlogged Edition [Flood 2010]
Good morning, Nashville. With lots on our plate, we’re a little pressed for time. All the news is about flooding anyway, so here’s a quick roundup:
- All the flooding damaged 56 Nashville schools, the worst of which happened at Antioch Middle, Wright Middle, H.G. Hill Middle, Cameron Middle, Whites Creek Middle and the Academy at Opry Mills.
- And speaking of Opry-related things, Opryland will be closed for months trying to clean up all the damage they sustained when water gushed into the atrium.
- Davidson County was supposed to have some primary elections happening today, but since every last one of the voting machines we were going to use were kept in a flooded warehouse, they’re set be postponed for at least two weeks.
- Keith Olbermann gave us a little shout-out on his show yesterday on a segment he called “Nashville flooded and forgotten.”
- Our beautiful Schermerhorn Symphony Hall took some devastating hits this weekend, but the symphony hall is dry. Silver lining?
- One of our proudest moments through all this was seeing pictures of so many of you kids out slinging sandbags at MetroCenter yesterday. We also owe a big “thank you” to the inmates who saved our one remaining water treatment facility by a foot with their mad sandbagging skills.
- MTA’s bus and train services are still not operating today.
- Sadly, the death toll from the flooding and storms statewide has reached 18, with 10 alone in Davidson County. As the floodwaters recede, officials are worried that they’ll uncover even more victims.
- Governor Phil has requested that President Obama declare 52 of Tennessee’s 95 counties to be disaster areas. He says that assessment could take a while and cleanup even longer.
- Briley Parkway and I-24 are both seeing some residual traffic problems this morning, so check the TDOT Smartmap before you head out in either one of those directions.
- Among all the other things we have to deal with, the state Attorney General is warning retailers and other businesses that he will prosecute any instances of price gouging following the flood. Be on the lookout and use the consumer hotline to report any suspected gouging at 1-800-342-8385.
Photo via JKsGrownSexy.
Good morning, Nashville. With lots on our plate, we’re a little pressed for time. All the news is about flooding anyway, so here’s a quick roundup: All the flooding damaged 56 Nashville schools, the worst of which happened at Antioch Middle, Wright Middle, H.G. Hill Middle, Cameron Middle, Whites Creek Middle and the Academy at [...]
So Nashville Is Flooded… How Can I Help? [Flood 2010]
Nashville is under water, and we all want to help. This is a working post of donation and volunteer opportunities that are currently available, with needs being added and updated by the minute. If you have a volunteer or donation opportunity, please leave information in the comments or email us at tips@nashvillest.com to have it added to this list. And remember, folks: As much as we all want to get out and help, it’s very important to go about it in an organized, safe way. Plenty of our neighbors and friends are in need of food, clothing, shelter, water pumps and more. Start in your own neighborhood!
All Metro Nashville official relief efforts will run through Hands On Nashville. Go HERE to sign up to be notified when volunteer opportunities are approved by the city, and follow them @HONashville for minute-by-minute updates. All relief efforts must go through Hands On Nashville to receive FEMA aid. From Hands On Nashville:
As the case in any disaster, the recovery phase is the longest part of the experience, and one that requires a strong and sustained effort from volunteers. While the events of the past 48 hours have created a sense of urgency, the real effects of volunteers are going to be felt through the rest of this week and month as we do the nitty-gritty work of cleaning, rebuilding, and restoring.
I HAVE MONEY
- The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee: In partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management, donate online to the Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund and/or the Tennessee Emergency Relief Fund HERE (checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 440225, Nashville, TN, 37244).
- Middle Tennessee Red Cross: Donate online at www.nashvilleredcross.org, by phone at 615-250-4300 or by mail at 2201 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203. Remember, the Red Cross is not a government agency and is funded solely by your local donations.
- Second Harvest Food Bank: Give a monetary donation to our superstar food bank HERE.
- Salvation Army: Monetary donations are preferred and can be made online HERE or by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
- First Tennessee Bank: First Tennessee has pledged to match donations made by employees and customers, dollar for dollar, up to $250,000. Donations can be made at any First Tennessee Bank location.
- Kroger, Dollar General, Whole Foods: Accepting donations at checkout.
I HAVE STUFF
- Graceworks Ministries: Graceworks is working with the Red Cross to collect donations for flood victims. They are in need of financial gifts, non-perishable food items (soup, crackers, pasta), bottled water, toilet paper, cleaning products, toothbrushes, shampoo, household items, furniture, baby items and gently used clothing (please separate by gender and age). Drop off donations at 104 Southeast Parkway, Franklin TN.
- Shelters: There are Red Cross shelters at Lipscomb University, Gordon Jewish Community Center, Al Menah Shrine Center and People’s Church (Franklin). Most shelters are overwhelmed by donations, so please verify their needs before you dump a truck full of beef jerky on them. Common needs for shelters are bottled water, blankets, pillows, socks, underwear and clean clothing.
- Salvation Army: The Salvation Army suffered losses just like the rest of us. They are in need of clean-up kit items (mops, brooms, heavy duty work gloves, masks, sponges, squeegees, scrub brushes, plastic gloves, bleach, all-purpose cleaner concentrate, trash bags, paper towels and cases of bottled water), Hygiene & personal care kit items (socks, underwear, t-shirts, shampoo conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc), paper products and diapers. Drop off at 425 Neelys Bend Rd, Madison (10am-7pm), 611 Stockell St (9am-6:30pm) or 631 Dickerson Pike (8am-6pm).
- The Crag at Cool Springs: Drop point for donated goods to be taken to Graceworks (see needs above).
- Trevecca Nazarine University: Group is taking food, water, first aid and toiletries to flooded neighbors around the university. If you’re in the area and want to help distribute, call Dan at 941-518-6740. Drop off donations at the Boone Business Building.
- Golden Skin Care: Golden Skin Care is collecting donations of sunscreen for flood relief volunteers. Drop off donations at 2000 Richard Jones Rd. in Green Hills.
- Christ Church: Christ Church (15354 Old Hickory Blvd) is collecting and distributing bottled water, new clothes and cleaning supplies.
- Flavour Clothing: Drop site for toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, box fans, cleaning supplies, diapers and nonperishable staple food items. 1522 Demonbreun Street.
- CREMA: Taking donations for Tent City survivors. Drop off items in the parking lot behind CREMA (15 Hermitage Ave), need tents, stoves, sleeping bags, tarps and clothing.
- GracePointe: Drop site for Graceworks, collecting soup, crackers and underwear specifically. 1213 Country Road, Franklin.
- On The Go: Needs donations of bottled water (cases), goggles with no vent holes, gloves, N-95 respirators, trash bags, cleaning supplies, RVs and trailers to house short term team members, interns and volunteers through August.
- The Anchor Fellowship: Drop site for socks, toiletries, underclothing, summer clothes all sizes, bedding, fungal cream, water, feminine products (7am-7am, 629 3rd Ave S.). They are distributing items to the community as fast as they get them.
- Donate Nashville: We’ve worked alongside members of the Nashville tech community, Cool People Care and the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville to develop a Craigslist-style tool to hook up people who have stuff with other people who need it. Read more about it here.
I HAVE TIME
- Hands On Nashville: Again, all Metro Nashville relief efforts are running through Hands On Nashville. Sign up to be notified of official city volunteer opportunities HERE, and expect the opportunities to increase in volume as the waters recede and the city is able to assess the damage.
- Samaritan’s Purse: Samaritan’s Purse has deployed an emergency unit to Nashville and is working on assessing the damage and connecting with local churches. Sign up HERE (select “Nashville TN Flood Relief”) to volunteer with them.
- Second Harvest Food Bank: Contact volunteer@secondharvestmidtn.org to help prepare and transport meals for the Salvation Army and Red Cross. You can also stay updated on their current volunteer opportunities via Twitter @2HarvestMidTN.
- Graceworks Ministries: Contact cdublin@graceworksministries.net for volunteer opportunities. They will need help sorting & processing donations for the Red Cross.
- Cross Point: Meeting in Bellevue center (7669 HWY 70 South) lobby every day at 9am to send teams out to nearby neighborhoods. Can take hundreds of volunteers every day. Focusing on Bellevue neighborhoods now, but will move to other West Nashville neighborhoods in the coming days. Bring box fans, lysol, gloves, masks, cleaning supplies, tarps, water, contractor trash bags, wheelbarrow, plastic bins or boxes and dehumidifiers to donate.
- Soles4Souls: Soles4Souls has generously donated 20,000 pair of shoes and boots to families and workers in need. They’re going to need help distributing these shoes, so call Isabelle at 615.391.5723 to volunteer in the coming days. And as always, they could use your monetary donations if you feel so inclined: Donate here.
- ArtHouse Gardens: Teams are being organized to help neighbors who need furniture moved, debris bagged up or removed, help getting things out of water’s way or cleaning up once it’s gone. To help or receive help from 9-3 every day, call Catherine at ArtHouse Gardens at 828-9223.
- Oasis Church: Oasis Church is putting together teams to meet the needs of the community. If you would like to volunteer with them, email linda.trotter@oasischurch.tv and give your name, address, phone number, email address, specific skills, resources and materials you can provide, and your time availability. They will put you to work!
- Convoy of Hope: Convoy of Hope has hit the ground running in Nashville, with four mobile trailers arriving in town today. To apply to volunteer with them (you will help distribute goods to communities in need), click HERE and fill out the Disaster Relief Volunteer Application.
- On The Go: Taking teams of volunteers to help distribute, clean, assist, pack, deliver, and provide services for needy in the area. To join up with On The Go, call or email at 615-299-0222 and IWantToHelp@onthego.org.
- Donate Nashville: In addition to hooking people up with the stuff they need, Donate Nashville also allows people to list the times that they’re available to volunteer and search the requests for help that other folks have posted. Read more about it here.
I HAVE THE INTERNET
- Hendersonville Flood Relief Facebook Group
- Nashville Flood Help on Facebook
- Trevecca’s Flood Recovery Efforts on Facebook
- The People’s Church Flood Network on Facebook
LAST UPDATED: May 5, 2am
Photo by president_raygun.
Nashville is under water, and we all want to help. This is a working post of donation and volunteer opportunities that are currently available, with needs being added and updated by the minute. If you have a volunteer or donation opportunity, please leave information in the comments or email us at tips@nashvillest.com to have it [...]
Flooded Out: Open Thread Of Nashville & Franklin Flood Closures [Flood 2010]
Many Nashvillians headed back to work today with sunny skies above and clear roads ahead. But don’t jump in the car and head out to do your shopping just yet – Many businesses (not to mention homes) are still under water, and water levels are still rising in parts of the city, especially in downtown Nashville. If you don’t absolutely have to be somewhere, it’s still a good idea to stay at home. We’re starting a running list of businesses closed due to flooding here, and if you have something to add, drop us a comment!
Closed Monday, May 3:
NASHVILLE
*Downtown from 1st-3th Avenues has been evacuated.
*Metro Center is still closed from last night’s evacuation.
3rd & Lindsley
Bates Nursery – closed through May 6th
BB King’s Blues Club & Restaurant – Closed until further notice
Big River Grill & Brewing Works – Closed until further notice
Bike Pedlar (Old Hickory Blvd)
Calypso Cafe (Belle Meade)
Centerstone (Metrocenter) – Patients diverted to Ransom Place office. See comments.
Cheekwood
Corner Music
Country Music Hall of Fame
Diana’s Sweet Shoppe
Frist Center
Frothy Monkey
Gaylord Springs Golf Course – Closed until further notice
Goodwill (Charlotte)
Green Hills Pediatrics (in Belle Meade).
Green Hills YMCA – Closed for several days
Grins Vegetarian Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe – Closed until further notice
Harris Teeter (Belle Meade)
Joe’s Crab Shack – Closed until further notice
Melrose Billiards
Municipal Auditorium
Nashville Farmer’s Market – Closed until further notice
Opry Mills & Opryland Hotel – Hotel closure may last months
The Palm
Pep Boys (Charlotte)
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Second Harvest Food Bank
Starbucks (Metro Center)
Target (Hermitage)
Wildhorse Saloon – Closed until further notice
FRANKLIN/COOL SPRINGS
Carter House
Garden Food Service Marketplace
Otters (Cool Springs)
SpringSprang Studio
U-Haul Storage
REOPENED
Kroger (Belle Meade)
Again, if you have anything to add, let us know in the comments and we’ll add it to the roundup. Help us help you!
Photo by @RyneHambright.
Many Nashvillians headed back to work today with sunny skies above and clear roads ahead. But don’t jump in the car and head out to do your shopping just yet – Many businesses (not to mention homes) are still under water, and water levels are still rising in parts of the city, especially in downtown [...]
Photo Of The Day: You Can’t Stop The Music In Nashville [Flood 2010]
It’s been a long weekend for us here in Nashville, and we’re pretty overwhelmed by all the photos and videos of your homes and neighborhoods that you guys are sending us. Cleanup won’t be easy or cheap, but this photo is a great reminder of what makes our city great. [via @prodigaljohn]
It’s been a long weekend for us here in Nashville, and we’re pretty overwhelmed by all the photos and videos of your homes and neighborhoods that you guys are sending us. Cleanup won’t be easy or cheap, but this photo is a great reminder of what makes our city great. [via @prodigaljohn]
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