The Tennessee Emergency Response Fund is connecting the generosity of people who want to give with the needs of the people and communities devastated by this week's tornadoes. The Fund, a part of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, is accepting gifts of all sizes on-line (www.cfmt.org), in person (3833 Cleghorn Avenue, Second Floor) or mailed to PO Box 440225, Nashville, TN 37244. Grants to nonprofits on the frontlines have already begun and will continue as funding permits, addressing both immediate and long-term needs.

Hands On Nashville, in cooperation with the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and TEMA, is building a list of volunteers available within the next 72 hours to assist in tornado related cleanup in the following counties: Williamson, Sumner, Trousdale, and Macon.  Pleases do not report to any of these areas at this time. If you are interested in assisting, please provide the following information to Meredith Hansel at Hands On Nashville: meredith@hon.org.

• What is your availability in the next 72 hours?
• Which county can you most easily report to?
• How long can you remain in that county?
• Do you have a skill specialized in disaster response?
• Are you available to provide any tools (chainsaws, wheelbarrows, vehicles for hauling, etc)?

If you want more specific information about volunteer cleanup efforts you may contact Meredith Hansel at Hands on Nashville at meredith@hon.org.

After the Storm

In the aftermath of the recent tornadoes, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities has released an informative look and suggestions on how to cope with the effects of crisis and trauma.  For more details, click here.