NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — As Leigh Maples stood on the front porch of her East Nashville business tears started falling down her face, the neighborhood she has loved for 40 years looks nothing like its former self.
There is so much in East Nashville that is not where it belongs. Historic homes that have stood for over a century will have to be demolished. Iconic businesses and restaurants, damaged beyond repair by Tuesday's deadly tornado.
But this hard his community has not lost its heart.
GALLERY: Davidson county tornado damage
"There are a lot of unselfish people here, who are so happy to help. It's overwhelming," Leigh Maple said as she looked out of the piles of debris which now surround the Five Points area.
With many streets still closed because of downed power lines Nashville residents took to foot, carrying wagons and wheelbarrows full of food and water. Strangers could be seen walking up to damaged homes, asking homeowners if there was anything they could do to help cleanup the incredible amount of damage here.
A midst the rubble and ruin, hope seems to be defining the next phase of this disaster.
"This is a historic area and the houses are beautiful, but that's just stuff. We'll make new history."
MORE TORNADO COVERAGE
- Here's what to know about the tornadoes that killed 24 in Tennessee
- How to help victims of the Tennessee tornadoes
- NES: Most power should be restored by Monday
- Five children among 18 killed in Putnam County tornado
- Deadly Tennessee Tornado stayed on the ground for 50 miles
- Two killed in East Nashville, at least 20 hurt after tornado rips through downtown
- Three dead, widespread damage reported in Wilson County
- Emergency shelters opened after deadly tornado
- 'Unbelievable damage' in Donelson after tornado passes through Middle Tennessee
- 18 dead in Putnam County after tornado hits Middle Tennessee
- GALLERY: Here are the victim's of the March tornadoes
