Sevier County, Cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg Donate $500,000 to Support Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts in Neighboring Communities

Posted 11-20-24.

Sevier County, in collaboration with the cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, announced a joint donation of $500,000 to Mountain Ways to support disaster recovery efforts in neighboring communities impacted by Hurricane Helene on Wednesday, November 20th.

Of the total amount, $250,000 will be allocated to Cocke County, while the remaining $250,000 will be distributed among Carter County, Greene County, Hamblen County, Hawkins County, Johnson County, Unicoi County, and Washington County in Northeast Tennessee.

This contribution aims to provide support for rebuilding and recovery efforts in these counties, which experienced significant damage from the storm. The funds will be managed by Mountain Ways, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the hospitality and values of the Appalachian region to those affected by natural disasters and tragedies.

A check presentation was held on November 20, 2024, at the Sevier County Courthouse, where representatives from Mountain Ways and local leaders from Sevier County, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg gathered to mark the occasion.

Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters: “Our neighboring communities have supported us in the past during our times of need, and we are grateful for the opportunity to return that kindness. We are proud to stand with them during this challenging time and remain committed to supporting their recovery and rebuilding efforts.”

City of Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner: “We are proud to support Mountain Ways with this donation to assist in flood relief and disaster recovery efforts in Cocke County. The Cocke County community came to Gatlinburg’s aide in so many ways after the 2016 wildfires and we are glad to be able to give back to them in their time of need."

City of Gatlinburg City Manager Greg Patterson: “The City of Gatlinburg is honored to continue supporting our neighbors in Cocke County as they recover from the recent flooding. Following our efforts to collect and deliver donations to Newport, this contribution to Mountain Ways represents another meaningful way for us to assist in their community with disaster recovery efforts."

City of Sevierville Mayor Robbie Fox: “The immense devastation caused by Hurricane Helene will likely take years to overcome. I am pleased that the City of Sevierville is partnering with Sevier County, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to help our neighboring communities recover and rebuild in the aftermath of this unparalleled storm.”

City of Pigeon Forge City Manager Earlene Teaster: "This is truly a great day for the City of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Sevier County. We haven't forgotten 2016 and what the folks in that area did for us. They were some of the very first to come and assist us. I know they are terribly devastated right now, and it's going to take years for them to recover—but they will. Every day, we think of them and what they're going through. We're just so happy to be able to contribute, even just a little bit."

Mountain Ways Executive Director Lori Moore: “This donation from Sevier County and the Cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville means so much, not just to our organization but to all the people we’re able to help. Having this kind of support from our neighbors, who understand firsthand what it’s like to experience disaster, is truly impactful. In 2016, they were there for us, and now we’re honored to turn that support around to help those in need. This donation really speaks to our culture—we're a culture that gives back, a culture of people who love our neighbors. It’s been our tradition in the Appalachian Mountains since the settlers moved in, and now we're just continuing that sense of giving back and providing hope to our neighbors."

About Mountain Ways:
Mountain Ways is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization co-founded by Joe and Jessi Baker, to share and preserve Appalachian culture and heritage by giving back and loving our neighbors. Our spirit is in our name. The “ways” of mountain folks in Appalachia are values like hospitality, perseverance, faith, survival, being neighborly, supporting one another, and the grit and determination of doing whatever it takes. Thus, our mission is to share and preserve Appalachian culture and heritage by giving back and loving our neighbors.

For more information about Mountain Ways, including donations, resources, and assistance, please visit mtnways.org or call (865) 412-7798.