Our hearts are heavy with our eastern Kentucky communities as our region endures the effects of catastrophic flooding. Please know that the AAEKY team shares deep concern for the suffering that this has caused our people and our region. To those affected, we offer our most sincere condolences. We see you, we grieve with you, and we stand in solidarity.
We are saddened to report that in the midst of this widespread damage, our partner organization, Appalshop, was engulfed by flood waters. Appalshop is a vital partner on the AAEKY project and an irreplaceable asset to eastern Kentucky and Appalachian culture.
We are heartbroken for the staff and community, as this loss is a loss that will not go unseen or unfelt.
We cannot overstate our commitment to supporting individuals, families, and communities throughout EKY during this time of devastation, and every day beyond it. We will continue to show up for our eastern Kentucky communities and urge those who support our region to do the same.
Please visit appalshop.org/floodsupport to view resources and ways to support our communities at this time. For EKY residents experiencing additional reproductive health needs during this time of uncertainty, please feel free to contact kelsie@khjn.org directly. We will continue to share resources and information as it becomes available, and we will be thinking of our community during this very difficult time.
Currently, the greatest areas of immediate need are:
eKy Mutual Aid direct donations which are supporting immediate care needs in the county
Venmo - @ekymutualaid
Cashapp - $ekymutualaid
Neon Fire Department is in desperate need for bottled water donations and cleaning supplies
Letcher County Central High School is in desperate need of bottled water, cleaning supplies, and volunteers