ETSU is giving students, employees, and community volunteers key information needed to provide
hands-on support for disaster recovery efforts in our region.

Updated: October 11, 2024

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, East Tennessee State University hosted information sessions for anyone interested in volunteering to provide hands-on support for disaster recovery efforts across the region in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact. 

Part of ETSU’s “Bucs Rebuild Together” initiative to support those in critical need following the aftermath of the hurricane, these sessions help equip volunteers with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively support recovery efforts. More than 500 people attended the sessions. 

View a Recorded Volunteer Information Session

The session below was recorded on October 9, 2024. It is provided here for educational purposes, but may not reflect the most up-to-date information about the Hurricane Helene response effort.

 

Each session lasted roughly half an hour and covered critical information such as where to find organized volunteer opportunities, how to stay safe while working in flooded areas and what to bring and wear while volunteering.

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which brought devastating flooding across the region, people sprang into action organizing supply drives, fundraising efforts and more. 

But as recovery efforts begin in earnest across the region, there is a significant need for organized and informed volunteers to support these efforts, whether that’s distributing critical supplies, clearing debris or rebuilding homes. ETSU students and employees interested in volunteering are encouraged to register through the ETSU Serves website. Community members are encouraged to sign up at volunteer-united.org.  

In addition to supporting volunteer efforts, ETSU has launched a number of initiatives aimed at supporting students, employees and our community. This includes a number of supply drives and financial assistance to students and employees facing hardship in the storm’s wake. 

Since its inception in 1911, East Tennessee State University has been committed to improving the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond. Central to this mission is the belief that people come first. 

Bucs Rebuild Together, the university’s response to the devastation from Hurricane Helene in the region, reflects ETSU’s continuing commitment to supporting our communities in times of need. Through collaborative efforts, we are dedicated to helping rebuild, embodying our core values of service, excellence and compassion. Learn more at ETSU.edu/response.

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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