Middle Tennessee Newsletter

Dear Friends,

We are excited to share some incredible updates and highlights from our work here in Middle Tennessee. Thanks to your ongoing support, Inspiritus continues to empower individuals and families on their journey from surviving to thriving. Here are just a few examples of the impact you’ve helped us achieve recently:

Exciting News: Groundbreaking Soon for the North
Nashville Senior Housing Initiative!

We are just weeks away from the groundbreaking of our new North Nashville Senior Housing Initiative! Major construction will kick off within the next quarter at the corner of Rosa Parks and Garfield Blvd. Thanks to the generous contributions from individuals, foundations, churches, and state, federal, and local government, we are proud to announce that we are 97% funded for this $31 million project, which will provide essential housing and support services for older adults and the wider North Nashville community.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the groundbreaking ceremony date—we can't wait to celebrate this important milestone with you!

Empowering Our Volunteers

This year, we were honored to have Jason, one of our amazing volunteers, named a finalist for the 2024 Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Award. Jason’s dedication to our Nashville Food Pantry has been instrumental in serving vulnerable families, and we couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments.

Thriving Through Our Refugee Services

Our Refugee & Immigrant Services program continues to grow, and we recently hosted a World Refugee Day celebration in Nashville. The event brought together refugees, community leaders, and supporters like you to celebrate the vibrant cultures and resilience of our new American neighbors. It was a day filled with music, food, and powerful stories of hope.

Thriving Spotlight: Barbara & Dennie

The word “thriving” is everywhere these days, and when we chose it to describe Inspiritus’ mission of helping individuals and families on their path from surviving to thriving, we couldn’t have anticipated its popularity. Thriving and flourishing in our surroundings brings inherent hope, but what does that look like in Empowerment Services in 2024?

Our friend Barbara has sparked many discussions about the urgent need for affordable housing. Thanks to collaborative efforts from partner agencies, Barbara is now thriving in her new apartment in North Nashville. With support from Inspiritus and generous donors who furnished her space, she can finally lay her head down in her own bed after 25 years. “I’m so happy,” Barbara said. “It’s so peaceful here.”

Dennie’s story is another testament to resilience. “I’m free!” she exclaimed in a DHS office recently. Two decades before this day, after a series of traumatic events, Dennie and her daughter ended up on the streets. Although Dennie has been housed and flourishing for years, she still owed the state back child support when her daughter went into state custody while they were unhoused. Every paycheck for the last 10 years has taken out a portion of her small income to pay back the state. Thanks to a generous donor, that debt was cleared this month, lifting a weight off her shoulders.

Policies often fail to reflect the realities faced by those living on the margins. Thriving can seem out of reach when low wages and debt weigh you down. Yet, with the support of Inspiritus, Barbara, Dennie, and many others thrive and inspire against the odds.

We look forward to continuing these important initiatives, and we’re grateful to have you as part of the Inspiritus family. Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

If you’d like to learn more about our upcoming events or opportunities to get involved, please feel free to reach out to us. Your support is essential to our mission, and we couldn’t do this work without you!

If you are interested in making a monetary contribution to support our efforts in Middle Tennessee or would like to learn more about this impactful work, click the buttons below.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Inspiritus and the Middle Tennessee community!

Warm regards,

Janet Arning
Executive Director of Middle Tennessee
Inspiritus

Day 19: Middle Tennessee Floods & Hurricane Ida Update

Dear Friend,

Inspiritus Response teams are still on the ground in Waverly, Tennessee following last month’s deadly floods, and will serve this community for at least a month. We have now extended our time on the ground to six weeks, thanks to the generous support of donors like you.

We are also on the ground in Louisiana where we are purifying water for communities in need. Our team first arrived in Metairie, LA over Labor Day weekend with our new WOW Cart, which can purify 6,000-10,000 gallons of water per day and we are now providing pure water to communities without.

An Inspiritus volunteer is supporting this homeowner by assessing her home's needs and helping her connect with volunteers from our VOAD partner, Team Rubicon.

WHAT WE ARE DOING (Day 19 Update)

• Volunteer Housing Camp (TN): Inspiritus' Disaster Relief staff and team leads began arriving in Waverly, TN on August 22 and are living at a temporary Inspiritus Volunteer Responder Housing camp.

• Volunteer Reception Center (TN): Our team has established a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) in Humphreys County, in partnership with the County and TEMA. The VRC is operating in front of the Dollar Tree in Waverly, TN. (The purpose of a VRC in a disaster zone is to provide a location where all volunteers who show up to help can register and be assigned to organized projects where they are needed most.)

• Assistance Call Center (TN): The call center has been relocated to operate in the VRC and is being supported by Inspiritus oversight. (A Call Center receives requests for assistance and aid.)

• Distribution Resource Center (TN): Inspiritus teams are helping manage the Distribution Resource Center at the Humphreys County fairgrounds. (A Distribution Resource Center is established as a centralized resource where donated resources are received and redistributed to multiple distribution sites throughout the impacted communities.)

• Debris Removal, Muck & Gut (TN): Our team leads are actively deploying volunteers to provide debris removal and muck & gut services. (Debris Removal: Volunteers use chainsaws, heavy equipment and gloves to remove fallen trees and debris. Muck & Gut: Volunteers wear full body safety gear to enter flooded homes and remove damaged sheetrock, cabinetry, flooring, belongings, etc. These free services often save each homeowner up to $30,000.)

• Demolition (TN): Volunteers are actively deploying to conduct heavy equipment demolition of private properties.

• Water Purification (LA): Volunteers are purifying water in Louisiana with our new WaterStep WOW Cart, which can purify up to 10k gallons a day.

“Without Inspiritus and the leadership they’ve provided to the VOAD [Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster], we could not have responded to this crisis effectively and would have had to muddle through. We are a small jurisdiction with a small public safety team and their [Inspiritus] partnership was essential. We are months ahead of where we would have been, thanks to Inspiritus.” -Officer John Chapman, Incident Commander, Humphreys County Sheriff’s Department

Photo: Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee with Inspiritus' Sherry Buresh and the Humphreys County Assistant Incident Commander and Colleague.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE

Donate to Inspiritus: The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground helping homeowners impacted by the flooding. Your support will provide free debris removal, muck & gut services and property demolition to families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

Donate to The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA: Donations may also be made to support the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA disaster relief efforts (i.e. volunteer mobilization, emotional and spiritual care, material resources to help families, etc.). Donations may be made here.

VOLUNTEER

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, including those who have driven in locally, as well as Team Leads who have come in from around the country and are living in Waverly, TN at our local Volunteer Housing Camp for the month.

Prayerfully consider joining us in Waverly, TN now through October 1. We especially need Team Leads to guide volunteer groups with Muck & Gut and Debris Removal, but all hands are welcome and all skills can be helpful. Please contact Sherry Buresh: sherry.buresh@weinspirit.org.

Volunteer setting up Inspiritus' Water-on-Wheels Mobile Water Cart (W.O.W. Cart) donated by Waterstep.

Volunteers in Waverly, TN, helping to load supplies from the Distribution Resource Center

OUR PARTNERS

Inspiritus' teams could not serve without the support of our partners. The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA has generously provided a $10,000 contribution to help rapidly deploy Inspiritus teams to Waverly, TN. With this support, we are helping manage the Humphreys County Volunteer Reception Center, Volunteer Distribution Center, and the Volunteer Responders Housing Camp, while also training and deploying volunteer teams to assess and provide homeowners with debris removal and muck & gut services.

Partners collaborating with us include:

• The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA

• Lowe's

• International Orthodox Christian Charities

• Mennonite Disaster Services

• Airlink

• Information Technology Disaster Resource Center

• Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)

• Tennessee Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (TN VOAD)

• Toolbank USA

• Humphreys County Emergency Management Office

• Incident Commander & Sheriff's Office

Please continue to join us in prayer for those families impacted, and for the strength of the volunteers serving on the ground now. Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Day 12: Middle Tennessee Flooding Update

Dear Friend,

Inspiritus Response teams are still on the ground in Waverly, Tennessee following last week’s deadly flash floods, and will serve this community for at least a month.

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, including those who have driven in locally, as well as Team Leads who have come in from around the country and are living at our local Volunteer Housing Camp for the month.

Volunteers from across the country are welcomed and deployed at the Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) operating inside of a grocery store in Waverly, TN. The VRC is managed by Inspiritus in partnership with the County and TEMA.

There is an urgent need for assistance to continue the work of helping the hundreds of families whose homes were flooded last week. Inspiritus is committed to continuing our work in Middle Tennessee, both in communities impacted by last week’s floods, as well as in South Nashville, where the recovery efforts from earlier floods are just getting underway.

Inspiritus Disaster Relief Director, Sherry Buresh, helps us collaborate with other organizations who want to help. Shown here: Veteran owned Houston County Coffee Company from Erin, TN. (@hococoffeecompany)

WHAT WE ARE DOING (Day 12 Update)

• Volunteer Housing Camp: Inspiritus' Disaster Relief staff and team leads began arriving in Waverly, TN on August 22 and are living at a temporary Inspiritus Volunteer Responder Housing camp.

• Volunteer Reception Center: Our team has established a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) in Humphreys County, in partnership with the County and TEMA. The VRC is operating in front of the Dollar Tree in Waverly, TN. (The purpose of a VRC in a disaster zone is to provide a location where all volunteers who show up to help can register and be assigned to organized projects where they are needed most.)

• Assistance Call Center: The call center has been relocated to operate in the VRC and is being supported by Inspiritus oversight. (A Call Center receives requests for assistance and aid.)

• Distribution Resource Center: Inspiritus teams are helping manage the Distribution Resource Center at the Humphreys County fairgrounds. (A Distribution Resource Center is established as a centralized resource where donated resources are received and redistributed to multiple distribution sites throughout the impacted communities.)

• Debris Removal, Muck & Gut: Our team leads are actively deploying volunteers to provide debris removal and muck & gut services. (Debris Removal: Volunteers use chainsaws, heavy equipment and gloves to remove fallen trees and debris. Muck & Gut: Volunteers wear full body safety gear to enter flooded homes and remove damaged sheetrock, cabinetry, flooring, belongings, etc. These free services often save each homeowner up to $30,000.)

• Demolition: Volunteers are actively deploying to conduct heavy equipment demolition of private properties.
  

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE

Donate to Inspiritus: The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground helping homeowners impacted by the flooding. Your support will provide free debris removal, muck & gut services and property demolition to families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

Donate to The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA: Donations may also be made to support the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA disaster relief efforts (i.e. volunteer mobilization, emotional and spiritual care, material resources to help families, etc.). Donations may be made here.

VOLUNTEER

Prayerfully consider joining us in Waverly, TN between September 2-18. Please contact Sherry Buresh: sherry.buresh@weinspirit.org.

An Inspiritus Volunteer meets with a homeowner to assess their needs before sending out a volunteer team to remove flood damaged flooring, sheet rock and cabinetry.

OUR PARTNERS

Inspiritus' teams could not serve without the support of our partners. The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA has generously provided a $10,000 contribution to help rapidly deploy Inspiritus teams to Waverly, TN. With this support, we are helping to setup and manage the Volunteer Reception Center, Volunteer Responders Housing Camp, and training and deploying volunteer teams to provide homeowners with debris removal and muck & gut services.

Additional partners collaborating with us include:

• Lowe's

• International Orthodox Christian Charities

• Mennonite Disaster Services

• Airlink

• Information Technology Disaster Resource Center

• Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)

• Tennessee Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (TN VOAD)

• Toolbank USA

• Humphreys County Emergency Management Office

• Incident Commander & Sheriff's Office

Please continue to join us in prayer for those families impacted, and for the strength of the volunteers serving on the ground now. Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Day 9: Middle Tennessee Flooding and Hurricane Ida Preparations

Dear Friend,

We are following the path of Hurricane Ida and praying for the families impacted. Strong projections indicate that Hurricane Ida will arrive in Middle Tennessee at 2pm (CT), today. Inspiritus Response teams are still on the ground in Waverly, Tennessee following last week’s deadly flash floods. All operations in Waverly will shut down today at 1:30pm (CT), to allow staff and volunteers to shelter in our base camp, where there is a lower risk of flooding.

All weekend, our teams and thousands of volunteers focused on supporting local mitigation efforts to prepare for the arrival of Ida in Tennessee. Volunteers used heavy machinery and chainsaws to conduct a massive debris removal effort, to prevent debris from last week’s flash floods from causing further damages to the homes and infrastructure already impacted.

There is an urgent need for assistance to continue the work of helping the hundreds of families whose homes were flooded last week. These families are now at risk of a “double disaster” as Hurricane Ida arrives this afternoon. Inspiritus teams are committed to continuing our help in Middle Tennessee, both in communities impacted by last week’s floods, as well as in South Nashville, where the recovery efforts from earlier floods are just getting underway.

As we continue to assess the damages caused by Hurricane Ida, we will update you with ways you can help.

WHAT WE ARE DOING (Day 9 Update)

• Volunteer Housing Camp: Inspiritus' Disaster Relief staff and team leads began arriving in Waverly, TN on August 22 and have setup an Inspiritus Volunteer Responder Housing camp near Waverly, TN

• Volunteer Reception Center: Our team has established a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) in Humphreys County, in partnership with the County and TEMA. The VRC is operating in front of the Dollar Tree in Waverly, TN. (The purpose of a VRC in a disaster zone is to provide a location where all volunteers who show up to help can register and be assigned to organized projects where they are needed most.)

• Assistance Call Center: The call center has been relocated to operate in the VRC and is being supported by Inspiritus oversight. (A Call Center receives requests for assistance and aid.)

• Distribution Resource Center: Inspiritus teams are helping manage the Distribution Resource Center at the Humphreys County fairgrounds. (A Distribution Resource Center is established as a centralized resource where donated resources are received and redistributed to multiple distribution sites throughout the impacted communities.)

• Debris Removal, Muck & Gut: Our team leads are actively deploying volunteers to provide debris removal and muck & gut services. (Debris Removal: Volunteers use chainsaws, heavy equipment and gloves to remove fallen trees and debris. Muck & Gut: Volunteers wear full body safety gear to enter flooded homes and remove damaged sheetrock, cabinetry, flooring, belongings, etc. These free services often save each homeowner up to $30,000.)

• Demolition: Volunteers are actively deploying to conduct heavy equipment demolition of private properties.
  

  As Hurricane Ida is anticipated to arrive at 2pm (CT) today, our operations will shut-down by 1:30pm (CT) to allow staff and volunteers to shelter in a safe place that is low risk from flooding.
  

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE

Donate to Inspiritus: The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help homeowners impacted by the flooding. Your support will provide free debris removal, muck & gut services and property demolition to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

Donate to The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA: Donations may also be made to support the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA disaster relief efforts (i.e. volunteer mobilization, emotional and spiritual care, material resources to help families, etc.). Donations may be made here.

VOLUNTEER

Prayerfully consider joining us in the following weeks. Opportunities to volunteer will be communicated soon.

OUR PARTNERS

Inspiritus' teams could not serve without the support of our partners. The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA has generously provided a $10,000 contribution to help rapidly deploy Inspiritus teams to Waverly, TN. With this support, we are helping to setup and manage the Volunteer Reception Center, Volunteer Responders Housing Camp, and training and deploying volunteer teams to provide homeowners with debris removal and muck & gut services.

Additional partners collaborating with us include:

• Airlink

• Information Technology Disaster Resource Center

• Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)

• Tennessee Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (TN VOAD)

• Toolbank USA

• Humphreys County Emergency Management Office

• Incident Commander & Sheriff's Office

Please continue to join us in prayer for those families impacted, those in danger still, and for the strength of the volunteers serving on the ground now.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Inspiritus Disaster Relief Concert Canceled

Concert Supporting Middle Tennessee Homes Impacted By Tornado/Floods Set For August 29, 2021 At Hop Springs Murfreesboro To Be Rescheduled

(Nashville, Tennessee) – August 23, 2021

Due to rising COVID-19 cases, the decision has been made to reschedule the 1st Annual Disaster Relief Concert benefiting homeowners assisted by Inspiritus Disaster Relief efforts in Middle Tennessee. Originally planned for Sunday, August 29, 2021 at Hop Springs Murfreesboro, Craig Campbell, CJ Solar, Presley & Taylor, Mark McKay and Liam Coleman were scheduled to perform and comedian Reno Collier was set to guest host and emcee.

“We appreciate all of the artists who committed to perform, Hop Springs for hosting, our media partners Cumulus Radio and the Murfreesboro Pulse and all of the volunteers who were working tirelessly on this fun event,” said Virginia Spencer of Inspiritus. “The needs are still great, as many families in Davidson, Wilson, and Putnam counties still need our help restoring their homes from the floods and tornados. With the help of our partners and generous volunteers across Middle Tennessee, Inspiritus is determined to help them return home again. To donate to help these families: www.weinspirit.org/donate.”

Fans can still support disaster relief – and be a hero to yourself, spouse or significant other – by visiting the Kendra Scott Green Hills location in the Hill Center, 4025 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 505. Shoppers who mention Inspiritus when making jewelry purchases August 26-28, 2021 will have 20% of their purchases donated to the Inspiritus Disaster Relief Fund.

Visit https://kendrascottxinspiritus.splashthat.com for more details and to shop online.

For ticket refund information, visit www.bit.ly/InspiritusConcert.

About Inspiritus:

Inspiritus is a nonprofit social service agency that guides individuals and families whose lives have been disrupted on a path from surviving to thriving. In 2019, Lutheran Services in Tennessee and Lutheran Services of Georgia joined forces and became known as Inspiritus. The name “Inspiritus” derives from the latin term “inspirit”, which means “to fill with strength or courage.” To “inspirit” is what Inspiritus does. Inspiritus helps individuals and families discover their inner strength and resilience, leading to a more fulfilling life. See www.weinspirit.org to learn more or donate.

For more information, contact: Craig Campbell, craig@campbellentgrp.com

Inspiritus Art Therapy Projects in the News!

'We should just come together.' Murfreesboro kids work with art therapist, design mural about racism.

Last week, News Channel 5 featured students at the McFadden Community Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The kids worked with Devon Billions-Gomez, an Inspiritus art therapist, on a mural designed to help process the difficult issue of racism in the world.

"Bright no matter the color" was the centerpiece of the mural. It was a quote submitted by 13-year-old Inspiritus Thrive Studios artist, Mackensie Hall.

Watch the coverage by clicking on the image below:

Many of the kids expressed a desire for racism to be erased and tackled the difficult subject by painting a vibrant rainbow and fists in different skin colors.

"The kids need to know their voices matter...they are having their own full life experiences just as much as we are."

– Devon Billions-Gomez, Inspiritus Art Therapist

Last month, another one of our murals was featured in the news thanks to the hard work and dedication of Inspiritus art therapist, Devon Billions-Gomez.

This mural was created by artist Omari Booker and children from the Cheatham Place public housing community in North Nashville. Devon and Omari worked closely with the kids to create this mural currently on view at the Local Distro building in Nashville.

Please consider a donation to our Thrive Studios Program so we can continue to empower these children on their path from surviving to thriving!

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Middle Tennessee Regional Director
Inspiritus

Celebrating 10 Years of Healthy Gardens!

Inspiritus' Healthy Gardens Program is *growing* strong!

After a 10-year success rate, Inspiritus' Healthy Gardens Program is expanding into new neighborhoods and communities. On Saturday, June 26th, we will plant raised-bed gardens at the historical Bradley Academy & Museum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Inspiritus has also been asked to collaborate with Rosenwald Schools, a historical site in Bedford County, where we will be planting 10-20 raised garden beds (this site sits right next to a public housing community in Shelbyville, TN).

Our Healthy Gardens Program provides raised-bed gardens to teach and empower families living in public and subsidized-housing to grow their own fresh vegetables. These gardens increase the nutritional content of meals in the diets of families who often live in food deserts, struggle with transportation, and consume high fat and high salt content foods.

These gardens have proven to decrease a sense of isolation and promote healthy social interaction and support.

Cathy, one of our outstanding gardeners in Murfreesboro, had this to say about our program:

"It's awesome. I already ate 11 cucumbers and have lots of green big tomatoes. Next week, I'll be giving them away because I have so many! The lady at Salvation Army who feeds the homeless said she will take all the extras I have to make soup. I've already given them 2 sacks of sweet peas! Feels too good to give rather than get."

By raising gardens, individuals and families gain independence and responsibility as each garden is usually located right outside their home. Inspiritus provides everything a family needs to get started: raised-beds, soil, seeds, plants, tools, and on-going mentoring. Through this service, program participants are able to increase their self-esteem as they continue to garden successfully year after year - learning new techniques and sharing their experience with others in their community.

In honor of our 10th anniversary, please consider a donation to our Healthy Gardens Program so we can continue to empower these individuals and families on their path from surviving to thriving!

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Middle Tennessee Regional Director
Inspiritus

Inspirational Gardening

Hello Friends,

As we head into the holiday weekend, we are reminded of the joys of enjoying outdoor activities. With weather this warm, it's prime gardening time. We'd like to share the story of a very special gardener who is near and dear to our hearts: Charlie Jones.

Charlie lives at MDHA's Cheatham Place and is an active participant in our Healthy Gardens program. From tilling the soil to thoughtfully caring for each fruit and vegetable, Charlie sees his garden as an opportunity to not only be self-sufficient (he lost both legs a few years ago), but to also plant seeds of inspiration within his neighbors throughout Cheatham Place.

Watch Charlie's story by clicking on the image below:

Charlie Jones, our wonderful gardener from Cheatham Place

Our Healthy Gardens program has been helping people like Charlie since 2011. We started with just 12 gardens for elderly, parents, and children in low-income areas. Those 12 initial gardens have now grown to over 204+ gardens in three counties in Middle Tennessee!

Through Healthy Gardens, families and individuals have easy and free access to fruits and vegetables to supplement their meals as well as a healthy outlet for relieving stress and staying active.

Another resident at Cheatham Place gardening

Your donations help us empower these vulnerable friends of ours with the opportunity to increase their food security, as well as improve their overall health and well-being.

We hope you all continue to stay safe and healthy during these upcoming summer months. Thank you for your prayers and support. I pray you have a fun and restful Memorial Day weekend!

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Middle Tennessee Regional Director
Inspiritus

More Cheatham Place residents enjoying our annual plant day. The beginning of May marked 10 YEARS of GARDENING for our wonderful gardeners in Cheatham Place.

Nashville Flood Update: Month #2

Dear Friends,

We've had over 117 volunteers assist our disaster relief efforts in Tennessee following the devastating floods that ravaged the Nashville region in late March.

We're so grateful for the hard work of our volunteer team leaders: Nicholas Rhine, Dave Marsh, and Julie Dimitrov. They're leading amazing volunteers serving with us in partnership with Hands On Nashville.

Volunteer team leader - Nicholas Rhine

Our team has completed:

• 51 jobs
• 25 homes
•150 crisis clean-up calls
• 298 volunteer days
• 1,035.5 volunteer hours

Overall, our disaster relief work has impacted 99 individuals in the Nashville region, and we have 10+ homes in the queue. We estimate there may be 30+ more additional homes in need of our services in the month ahead.

To see coverage of our work and collaboration with Hands On Nashville–watch a News4Nashville clip here.

Volunteer clearing debris from flood waters

Tennessee's flood event left six people dead, hundreds rescued from flooded cars and homes, and extensive damage to businesses and homes. It is marked as the worst flood in the last decade.

Where:

Inspiritus has been on the ground in South Nashville for flood survivors and leading volunteer teams to provide free muck and gut services.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with our partners: Hands On Nashville, Nashville and Tennessee VOADs, and the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA.

What:

Inspiritus is providing free muck and gut services to flood-damaged homes throughout South Nashville. As temperatures rise, waterlogged flooring and walls will exhibit rapid mold growth – which often poses long-term health risks for the residents in the home.

Personal protective equipment (PPE), such a Tyvek suits and N95 respirators masks, are crucial in protecting our volunteer teams as they remove debris from impacted households. Our crews are currently providing the following services:

• volunteer team management

• muck & gut

• mold sanitation

• mitigation

• chainsaw

• debris removal

• sort & salvage

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

To volunteer in Nashville, please sign up through Hands On Nashville HERE

DONATE TODAY: click here or checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308

We're grateful to be working closely with our local community partners. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. We’re preparing to extend our response in Nashville for up to another month to make sure every homeowner receives the help they need during this stage of their recovery. Your support makes this possible.

Thank you for your continued prayers and generous support.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

There's Still Time to Give to The Big Payback !

Hi Friends,

The Big Payback ends tonight! If you haven't made a donation-there's still time to support our Middle Tennessee programs. Plus, there is a $100 match for every organization that raises $100 by 12pm today!

We're so grateful to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for holding this annual 24-hour online giving event. Every donation helps Inspiritus raise funds and brings awareness to pressing needs in our community.

Here are ways you can help:

$25 will help end hunger for families in need

Inspiritus is providing food to the most vulnerable of families throughout Middle Tennessee, especially seniors and those living with disabilities. Your gift will ensure these families have the food they need this month.

Donate HERE

$50 will provide art therapy kits for kids

Inspiritus is guiding children through healthy ways of coping with traumatic experiences. Your gift will provide art therapy kits for children living in low income communities in Middle Tennessee.

Donate HERE

$125 will help build gardens for hungry families

Inspiritus is planting hundreds of home gardens for families and seniors living in low-income communities and food deserts. Your gift will help build two gardens this month.

Donate HERE

$250 will help families impacted by the pandemic

A year later, COVID-19 is still impacting families across Middle Tennessee. Your gift will ensure these families receive the help they need.

Donate HERE

$500 will help give hope to tornado & flood survivors

Inspiritus is assisting families whose homes have been damaged by recent floods in Nashville. We are still on the ground in Cookeville helping families rebuild after last year’s tornado. Your gift will ensure these families have the help they need to recover and thrive again.

Donate HERE

Thank you for your donations during this very important fundraising day!

Even if you're unable to give, you can show your support today by sharing this email across your personal and social networks. Please use the hashtags #TheBigPayback and #Inspiritus when sharing across your social networks.

Your generosity will help more individuals and families get back on the path from surviving to thriving. We are so grateful for your support.

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Regional Director, Middle Tennessee
Inspiritus

The Big Payback Starts Today!

Hi Friends,

The Big Payback starts today! The next 24-hours is a very important fundraising event for us. Join us and please spread the word.

The Big Payback, hosted by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, is a community-wide giving day which shines a spotlight on local giving and motivates Middle Tennessee to “give back” in a big way.

This 24-hour online giving event helps Inspiritus raise funds and brings awareness to pressing needs in our community. It’s also the prime time of year to give!

Here are ways you can help:

$25 will help end hunger for families in need

Inspiritus is providing food to the most vulnerable of families throughout Middle Tennessee, especially seniors and those living with disabilities. Your gift will ensure these families have the food they need this month.

Donate HERE

$50 will provide art therapy kits for kids

Inspiritus is guiding children through healthy ways of coping with traumatic experiences. Your gift will provide art therapy kits for children living in low income communities in Middle Tennessee.

Donate HERE

$125 will help build gardens for hungry families

Inspiritus is planting hundreds of home gardens for families and seniors living in low-income communities and food deserts. Your gift will help build two gardens this month.

Donate HERE

$250 will help families impacted by the pandemic

A year later, COVID-19 is still impacting families across Middle Tennessee. Your gift will ensure these families receive the help they need.

Donate HERE

$500 will help give hope to tornado & flood survivors

Inspiritus is assisting families whose homes have been damaged by recent floods in Nashville. We are still on the ground in Cookeville helping families rebuild after last year’s tornado. Your gift will ensure these families have the help they need to recover and thrive again.

Donate HERE

Thank you for your donations during this very important fundraising day!

Even if you're unable to give, you can show your support today by sharing this email across your personal and social networks. Please use the hashtags #TheBigPayback and #Inspiritus when sharing across your social networks.

Your generosity will help more individuals and families get back on the path from surviving to thriving. We are so grateful for your support.

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Regional Director, Middle Tennessee
Inspiritus

Day 20: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update

Dear Friends,

Our disaster relief efforts in Georgia and Tennessee are still going strong following the devastating tornadoes and floods that ravaged the Southeast at the end of March.

We're so fortunate and grateful to be working closely with our local community partners, especially the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, however we continue to need your support to keep our teams on the ground and well-equipped to make a difference.

Inspiritus’ Kevin Burgess led a group of Home Depot volunteers as they removed debris from homes impacted by these catastrophic tornadoes.

Below is how we're helping survivors in Newnan, Georgia and South Nashville, Tennessee:

GEORGIA:

Where:

Our teams are currently on the ground in Newnan. Special thanks to the Go Church for hosting us at one of their properties, the former Palmetto Church of God. The Inspiritus volunteer and housing operation center is located at 84 Smith Circle, Newnan GA 30265. We have space and capacity for additional volunteers to be housed safely at this location, so please consider joining us.

Who:

As of today, our Inspiritus staff and volunteers have completed:

• Over 215 volunteer hours

• 60 assessments

• 10 saw jobs

• 12 debris removal projects

What:

Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including ITDRC, and the Siren Project to prepare to stay a few more weeks. We're supporting local families with damage and needs assessment coordination, debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, emotional and spiritual care, and other assistance as needed.

Our special thanks goes out to Home Depot and the Home Depot Foundation for their continued generosity and support as we empower disaster survivors on their journey from surviving to thriving!

#NewnanStrong

TENNESSEE:

Tennessee's flood event left six people dead, hundreds rescued from flooded cars and homes, and extensive damages to businesses and homes. It is marked as the worst flood in the last decade.

Where:

Inspiritus has been on the ground in South Nashville since Monday evening, completing damage assessments for flood survivors. Special thanks to Christ Lutheran Church in Nashville for hosting us for this effort.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with our partners: Hands On Nashville, TN VOAD, and the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA.

What:

Our crews are currently assessing and preparing to provide the following services:

• muck & gut

• mold sanitation

• mitigation

• chainsaw

• debris removal

• sort & salvage

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

If you'd like to volunteer in Newnan, Georgia, please contact Sabrina More: sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

To volunteer in Nashville, please sign up through Hands On Nashville HERE

DONATE TODAY: click here or checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308

If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. Thank you for your continued prayers and generous support.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Day 11: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update

Dear Friends,

Inspiritus Disaster Response teams are providing relief in Newnan, Georgia and Middle Tennessee following the devastating southeastern tornadoes and floods that ravaged five states at the end of March.

Thousands of individuals have been impacted by these tragic weather events, and our hearts go out to each and every one of them.

Click the image below to see how you can help empower the survivors of the Southeastern Tornadoes & Floods:

Below is how we're helping survivors in Newnan, Georgia and Middle Tennessee:

GEORGIA:

Where:

Our teams are currently on the ground in Newnan. Special thanks to the Go Church for hosting us at one of their properties, the former Palmetto Church of God. The Inspiritus volunteer and housing operation center is located at 84 Smith Circle, Newnan GA 30265. We have space and capacity for additional volunteers to be housed safely at this location, so please consider joining us.

Additional thanks to Community Incident Response Foundation for loaning us their Shower Trailer for this effort, and Blue Diamond for loaning their skid loader.

Who:

Since Tuesday, Inspiritus has been training county staff and volunteers to conduct Damage Assessments across the region. Inspiritus staff and volunteers are on the ground now leading volunteer response teams with debris removal efforts. To date, 1700+ homes have been reported as affected by the tornadoes, and the count rises daily.

What:

Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including Home Depot, the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, ITDRC, and the Siren Project to prepare to stay in the weeks ahead. We're supporting local families with damage and needs assessment coordination, debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, emotional and spiritual care, and other assistance as needed.

#NewnanStrong

Inspiritus Volunteers on the ground

TENNESSEE:

Tennessee's flood event left six people dead, hundreds rescued from flooded cars and homes, and extensive damages to businesses and homes. It is marked as the worst flood in the last decade.

Where:

Inspiritus disaster relief services have been requested to assist in flood response and recovery efforts in the Middle Tennessee region.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with local Emergency Management officials, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), the Tennessee VOAD, the SE Synod of the ELCA, and our local partners to assess and identify ways to help. In the weeks ahead, Inspiritus will be leading efforts to serve outside of the Nashville area in communities that haven't received sufficient assistance.

What:

Five Inspiritus volunteers are currently helping with the crisis cleanup phone lines, helping to process requests for assistance from local homeowners.

We are continuing to work with our partners to identify local unmet needs and will provide updates soon.

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

If you'd like to volunteer in Newnan, Georgia or Middle Tennessee, please contact Sabrina More: sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

DONATE TODAY: click here or checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee are in our prayers during this unprecedented time of disaster. Thank you for your prayers and generous support.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Day 7: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update

Dear Friends,

Inspiritus Disaster Response teams are providing relief in Newnan, Georgia and Middle Tennessee following the devastating southeastern tornadoes and floods that ravaged five states last week.

Thousands of individuals have been impacted by these tragic weather events, and our hearts go out to each and every one of them. The upcoming Easter holiday is a sacred time usually spent with family and friends, however, many of the individuals and families in these regions have lost everything.

Click on image below to see WSB-TV news coverage of Inspiritus' efforts in Newnan:

*Also, read more about Inspiritus and work we're doing on the ground in the latest issue of the Newnan-Times Herald

Below is how we're helping survivors:

GEORGIA:

Where:

The Newnan, GA tornado was one mile wide, and had a 170 mph maximum wind speed.

Our teams are currently on the ground in Newnan, GA where we have set up an operations office at the Coweta County Emergency Operations Center. The University of West Georgia has kindly provided 34 dormitory rooms, as well as, dinner for our volunteers during this response.

Who:

Since Tuesday, Inspiritus disaster relief lead construction manager, Kevin Burgess, along with a group of experts, have been training volunteers to conduct Home Damage Assessments across the region:

"It's a needs assessment training–we're training individuals to go out, knock on doors and ask questions of what is needed, how we can help, and then we're taking that information, bringing it back here, and we're using that information to get the proper volunteers and the proper resources to the right place."

– Kevin Burgess

What:

In Newnan, GA, Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA and Home Depot, to prepare to stay in the weeks ahead. We're supporting local families with damage and needs assessment coordination, management of the volunteer reception center, debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, emotional and spiritual care, and other assistance as needed.

Kevin Burgess with Pastor Terry Lemons, Pastor of Newnan Chapel UMC, the congregation that hosted our training for all damage assessors.

TENNESSEE:

Tennessee's flood event last Saturday has left six people dead, hundreds rescued from flooded cars and homes, and extensive damages to businesses and homes. It is marked as the worst flood in the last decade.

Where:

Inspiritus disaster relief services have been requested to assist in flood response efforts in the Middle Tennessee region.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with local Emergency Management officials, the SE Synod of the ELCA, and our local partners to assess and identify ways to help.

What:

Inspiritus is providing remote volunteers to help with the crisis cleanup phone lines and intake requests for assistance from local homeowners.

We are working with partners to identify local unmet needs and will provide updates soon.

Inspiritus' Kevin Burgess coordinating volunteers on the ground

ALABAMA:

The Birmingham, Alabama tornado destroyed homes and lives, causing major damage to communities across Central Alabama.

Special thanks to John Boettner, the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, and the many generous individuals and groups who helped host our volunteers last week.

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

If you'd like to volunteer in the Southeastern Tornadoes and Flood response efforts, please contact Sabrina More: sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

Inspiritus is coordinating volunteers from local communities and afar. People are contacting us from all over the country, and we have volunteers flying in from as far away as Washington and Michigan to help out on the ground. Volunteers are even helping remotely from their homes, supporting Crisis Cleanup requests in Nashville, as well as other opportunities across all three states.

DONATE TODAY: click here

Checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE
Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee are in our prayers during this unprecedented time of disaster. Thank you for your prayers and generous support.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

This Good Friday: A Message From John Moeller

Dear friends and colleagues,

I hope each of you are looking forward to a long Easter weekend. As a faith-based organization, Inspiritus recognizes Good Friday as a holiday. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the holiday, on Good Friday Christians commemorate the passion, suffering and ultimately gruesome death of their Lord, Jesus Christ, on a cross at the hands of fellow human beings. It is the beginning of a 3 day vigil that chronicles Jesus’ death, burial and culminates with the celebration of His resurrection from the grave.

I find the weekend particularly meaningful because of the suffering and trauma that our staff and I see every day in our shared ministry at Inspiritus with people. At any given time we are either suffering ourselves or suffering with another human being. Our lives, our work and the lives of those whom we accompany are full of struggle. Sometimes the struggle is very dark and grim and death ensues. For sure, death is a very present danger in our work.

While Good Friday is about death, the Easter story culminates in a resurrection. And that’s what I want to draw your attention to this weekend. While our lives are intricately woven together with our clients and together are full of heartache and challenge, we at Inspiritus also get the benefit of seeing life triumph over death. We witness storm victims celebrating their very lives in the midst of losing every worldly possession. We witness children who are placed in our foster care, tenaciously clinging to life with little hope for a healthy future, awaken in the loving embrace of a foster family.

We witness adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities move from a limited existence to a vibrant life in the care of host home support companions. We witness daily the return of life to the eyes of refugees and asylum seekers who, fleeing death upon their arrival in our presence, could offer nothing but blank stares and weary eyes. We witness ever present smiles and words of gratitude in food bank lines despite the fact that they have to come to make ends meet week after long week. Everyday individuals and families that the world has written off are painstakingly stitched back together, relationships are healed and life is reborn.

Our work is holy. Our work is resurrection work. You and I ultimately believe that life triumphs over death. Let us never forget this truth.

God bless you during this season and always!

Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr

President & CEO of Inspiritus

Day 5: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update

Dear Friends,

Last Thursday, a wave of tornadoes rolled across five southern states, leaving at least six people dead and inflicting heavy damage in its wake. Saturday evening, Nashville, Tennessee experienced the fourth worst flood in the state’s history. This flood has taken the lives of six people, and left hundreds coping with flooded cars, apartments, and homes.

Inspiritus has been called in to help in Birmingham, Alabama; Newnan, Georgia; and Nashville, Tennessee. We've been assembling our three responses and want to give an update on the progress in each of these regions:

ALABAMA:

The Birmingham, Alabama tornado destroyed homes and lives, causing major damage to communities across Central Alabama.

Where:

Inspiritus has set up volunteer operations and a housing station at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Birmingham, AL.

Who:

From this site, we will be providing volunteer response services to the communities impacted (such as Pelham and Columbiana).

What:

In Birmingham, we’re coordinating with Southeastern Synod of ELCA and several congregations who are generously providing meals and airport transportation for our disaster response volunteers.

Our disaster relief volunteers are providing free debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, and other assistance as needed.

GEORGIA:

Where:

The Newnan, GA tornado was one mile wide, and had a 170 mph maximum wind speed.

Our teams are currently on the ground in Newnan, GA where we have set up an operations office at the Coweta County Emergency Operations Center. The University of West Georgia has kindly provided 34 dormitory rooms, as well as, dinner for our volunteers during this response.

Who:

Inspiritus staff, Kevin Burgess, and volunteers are helping officials setup and open the local Volunteer Reception Center. Staff have begun to train local county staff and volunteers to conduct Home Damage Assessments across the region. We will assist with coordinating all spontaneous volunteer efforts and support for local families through this center.

What:

In Newnan, GA, Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to prepare to stay on the ground in the weeks ahead to support local families with debris removal and emotional and spiritual care.

Our disaster relief volunteers are providing free debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, and other assistance as needed.

Yesterday, volunteers brought in much needed tools, provided courtesy of the Atlanta Community Tool Bank.

TENNESSEE:

Torrential rains slammed into the Nashville region Saturday night, causing rivers and creeks throughout 4 counties to flood. This flood event has left six people dead, hundreds rescued from flooded cars and homes, and extensive damages to businesses and homes. It is marked as the worst flood in the last decade.

Where:

Inspiritus disaster relief services have been requested to assist in flood response efforts in the Middle Tennessee region.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with local Emergency Management officials, the SE Synod of the ELCA, and our local partners to assess and identify ways to help.

What:

Inspiritus is providing remote volunteers to help with the crisis cleanup phone lines and intake requests for assistance from local homeowners.

We are working with partners to identify local unmet needs and will provide updates soon.

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

If you'd like to volunteer in the Southeastern Tornadoes and Flood response efforts, please contact Sabrina More: sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

Inspiritus is coordinating volunteers from local communities and afar. People are contacting us from all over the country, and we have volunteers flying in from as far away as Washington and Michigan to help out on the ground. Volunteers are even helping remotely from their homes, supporting Crisis Cleanup requests in Nashville, as well as other opportunities across all three states.

DONATE TODAY: click here

Checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE
Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee are in our prayers during this unprecedented time of disaster. Thank you for your prayers and generous support.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Day 1: Preparing to Help After Deadly Tornadoes

A wave of tornadoes rolled across five southern states on Thursday, leaving at least six people dead and inflicting heavy damage in its wake. Fourteen tornadoes alone were reported in Alabama, according to the National Weather Service. All in all, there were 22 tornado reports across Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. (CNN)

Inspiritus stands ready to help as part of our ongoing commitment to assisting impacted communities with basic needs, stability and safety, and we are currently in touch with on-the-ground authorities and partners in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

Image c/o Patch/Alabama

Your prayers and donations are critical during this time. We could not do the work we do without your generosity. Financial donations to Inspiritus now, or in the earliest days of a response, support us in deploying a team of staff and skilled volunteers to assess need and establish a response program on the ground as soon as it is safe to do so.

Our disaster relief teams are preparing to help lead volunteers in debris removal, chain-sawing, roof tarping, and other supports to damaged homes and properties. Please consider volunteering to help. We will update you soon with details of where and when we could use your assistance.

To stay on top of our latest information, please follow us on our website weinspirit.org and on all our social channels found at the bottom of this email.

We will continue to keep you informed on any plans for an organized disaster response as they develop. Our hearts are heavy for those impacted by these terrible tornadoes. Please join us in prayer for their swift recovery.

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Day 18: Hear from Disaster Volunteers on the Ground Now

Volunteers on the Ground in Tennessee

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Three weeks ago, Winter Storm Uri created widespread destruction in Overton County, Tennessee. Inspiritus disaster response teams have been on the ground since the storm, providing residents with free chainsaw services to their homes and property.

So far we've completed:

• 104+ hours of heavy equipment operation

• Over 140 project site assessments

• Over 111 jobs

• Over 1,700 volunteer hours

This rapid response effort would not be possible without the support from our partners: Airbnb, Airlink, Home Depot, Overton County, and Christian Emergency Network.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

If you would like to help empower disaster survivors on their journey from surviving to thriving, come volunteer with us.

We have 2 long-term recovery programs in progress in Southwest Georgia and Cookeville, Tennessee.

We invite you to join us as we help our neighbors recover from the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Michael and the 2020 Middle Tennessee Tornadoes.

• Due to a lack of volunteers in Southwest Georgia, Inspiritus is having to outsource work to contractors…which allows us to help fewer people.

• A lack of volunteers also means that it is taking longer to bring these people home!

If you'd like to volunteer in these recovery efforts in Southwest Georgia and Middle Tennessee, please contact Sabrina More, our Lead Disaster Case Manager / Disaster Relief Volunteer Manager at sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Winter Storm Uri. In the meantime, please follow our social media channels @weareinspiritus for the latest news.

Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking on the button below. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.

Gratefully,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Inspiritus is also partnering with Overton-Pickett Emergency Communications to host a Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, March 13th:

We will be checking in volunteers and handling the logistics to efficiently assign project site work orders. If you live in the Overton County surrounding area and would like to join us, please contact Sabrina More, our Lead Disaster Case Manager / Disaster Relief Volunteer Manager at sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

Day 8: TN Response Update

Day 8: TN Winter Response Going Strong

At least 12 people died after last week's winter storm in Middle Tennessee. Winter storm Uri plunged temperatures to below the freezing mark and left thousands of households without power.

Overton County was hit particularly hard. The Emergency Manager for Overton County and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency called Inspiritus in to help. We rapidly deployed several of our volunteer chainsaw teams to begin clearing roadways to ensure the electric company could restore power to households.

We've had over 425 requests for help in Overton County. Now our disaster response teams are assisting homeowners and offering free chainsaw services to their homes and property.

Today, the team is setting up a new base at the Livingston Police Academy. The Heritage Academy (out of Cookeville, TN) is bringing in trained sawyers and swampers to join us daily. They will also be graciously cooking and providing all our dinner meals.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Inspiritus has received hundreds of requests asking for assistance and we are looking for volunteers! If you'd like to volunteer on this response, please sign up here.

AirLink is flying our teams in for this response, and as of now, our confirmed volunteers are from: Washington, Michigan, Oregon, and California. Some volunteers are driving in from Kentucky, Georgia, and Indiana. We are so grateful for these kind souls helping with our on the ground relief efforts!

Special thanks to these partners for making this effort possible: Airbnb, Airlink, Home Depot, Overton County, and Christian Emergency Network.

We are preparing for a multi-week response, so we can continue to empower Middle TN residents on their journey from surviving to thriving. We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by this deadly storm. Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking on the button below. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.

Gratefully,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Middle Tennessee Ice Storm Response

Overton County, TN Rapid Response

Over the last week, Middle Tennessee has been impacted by snow from the winter storm that is currently sweeping the nation. This unprecedented change in temperatures has brought significant freezing rain to eastern Middle Tennessee.

Freezing rain and the weight of ice (and additional snow) have caused countless trees to snap and break–bringing down hundreds of power lines. Overton County was hit particularly hard.

We coordinated with the Emergency Manager for Overton County and TEMA to rapidly deploy several Inspiritus volunteer chainsaw teams (10 people each team) to begin clearing roadways to ensure the electric company could restore power to thousands of households.

We are deeply saddened that this storm has taken the lives of six Tennesseans so far, four of whom resided in Middle Tennessee. Outages have been reported in nine counties throughout the region – leaving thousands of residents in the dark.

Inspiritus received an additional request asking for 6-10 teams to assist with delivering welfare checks throughout the affected communities. We have organized and deployed additional teams to assist with these efforts – monitoring roadways and tending to clearing fallen trees if necessary to ensure delivery of these checks.

Please consider donating to support our disaster relief work. We couldn't do what we do without your help. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.

Gratefully,

Virginia Spencer

Chief Development Officer

Inspiritus