About Us

---

Just days after Hurricane Helene destroyed lives, homes and businesses, a relief center was set up in Erwin TN and thousands of people were able to come get food, survival items, support and connections to rebuild their lives. Wonderful volunteers worked tirelessly to meet needs, seen and unseen. The effort of Appalachian United Initiative continues as a Disaster Relief Organization, focusing on rebuilding homes, roads and bridges, connecting families and individuals with resources provided thru Samaritan's Purse, FEMA, East Tennessee Foundation, and other wonderful organizations still working to meet the long term needs of East Tennesse and Western North Carolina. 

We have sent volunteers to Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and further to help with flooding that occurred in 2025. 

Ongoing efforts to clean, rebuild and support communities like Embreeville, Erwin, Hampton, Bumpus Cove, will take years to recover. Remembering these needs is important!

We continue to receive and give out building supplies to families in the affected areas thru Samaritans Purse, 72Mission and Helene Rising.

At Appalachian United Initiative, we offer a small but mighty core team who endeavors to hear, see and act on the call to help our neighbors as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene and ongoing flooding, etc.

Wes Hardin, a Veteran and local multigeneration farmer, has been leading our team with action and wisdom. 

Dubbed the "Rogue Warrior" by some, or "Janitor" by himself - he will most often be found in the skid-steer or excavator digging or removing debris and starting the chainsaw to cut up trees. His lovely wife April has worked tirelessly beside him since day 1 of Hurricane Helene and makes sure he doesn't miss a text or call while in the Appalachian mountains working to improve lives and offer hope in a very real way. 

Misty Crosby, from Johnson City TN, has been working tirelessly since the first day of the disaster of Hurricane Helene. She's proven to be the invaluable glue & connector to major resources like Cajun Navy Relief, Unicoi County, God's Warehouse, and continues to guide us with an impeccable Integrity and Immediate action to meet the needs of our hurting survivors with grace and compassion. She's blessed to have an amazing husband Chad, who loves and supports her and the vision to provide hope and love to others. 

Cammie Freed, from Mesa CO, came with her husband Dan to Erwin TN a week after Hurricane Helene to help at the relief center for several weeks and continues to work in the background with the website, intake forms and follow-up with those who reach out for help. She loves the people of Appalachia and desires to come visit as much as possible.