NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Community Resource Center and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee have partnered to provide essential items for those affected by the Christmas Day bombing in Nashville.
The boxes, which include food and items like hygiene products and diapers were picked up during a “Nashville Strong” drive-thru at the Community Resource Center.
"It's really the non-profit community just wrapping their arms around these survivors," said Tina Doniger, the Executive Director of the Community Resource Center. "The hope would be that this would be that first outreach of a little bit of love and support from the community."
Volunteers were also on hand to help connect people with local organizations that can help with their immediate and long-term needs.
Lutheran Disaster Response was also on site for emotional and spiritual care for survivors.
The Salvation Army is one of the local organizations helping people impacted by the explosion.
"We’ve had people call us desperate," said Major Ethan Frizzell, the Area Commander of Salvation Army Nashville. "I’ve met people in parking lots to make sure they could have food for the weekend."
Major Frizzell said the Salvation Army has been supplying survivors with $100 Kroger gift cards to help buy groceries. He encouraged anyone needing help to text the word "Strong" to 484848 to get information on how the Salvation Army can help. He also said people can visit www.NashvilleStrong2021.org for any long term needs.
A similar drive-thru event will be held at the Community Resource Center on Wed. Jan 6. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone who was impacted by the Christmas day bombing is encouraged to stop by. The center is located at 218 Omohundro Place.
Metro has provided a list of additional resources for victims:
Nashville Strong Assistance Fund: Catholic Charities will provide assistance to those who live or work in the explosion perimeter area, through a specially funded program that will begin Monday, January 4. An online application for assistance will be go live this afternoon. The application can be accessed here: nashvillestrong2021.org. You can also can call 615-352-8591.
hubNashville: For assistance from Metro Nashville Davidson County Government, you can visit hub.nashville.gov, use the hubNashville 311 app or call 311.
Food Assistance: If you're in need of emergency food assistance can text ‘FEEDS’ to 797979 or visit www.secondharvestmidtn.org/get-help to access Second Harvest’s Find Food tool to locate the nearest food distribution, including Emergency Food Box sites in Davidson County. For additional assistance, individuals can call 211.
Cash Assistance: A limited supply of gift cards, provided by Salvation Army - Nashville Area Command, will be available for immediate cash assistance for those affected. Individuals can receive more information by texting the word ‘STRONG’ to 484848.
Housing and Immediate Needs: The American Red Cross of Tennessee is providing assistance for those displaced from their home, apartment or townhouse. Those needing assistance should contact the Red Cross at 800-RED-CROSS to help with their immediate needs, which may include food, shelter, clothing, health and mental health services, community referrals and recovery assistance.
Assistance for Spanish Speakers: Spanish speakers impacted can call Conexión Americas at 615-270-9252 for assistance beginning on Monday, January 4, 2021.
Resource and Referral Line: Individuals in need of assistance can contact United Way of Greater Nashville’s 24-hour resource and referral line for help by dialing 211 or visiting 211.org.
Note: To qualify for financial assistance, survivors will need to provide proof of employment or residency in the direct impacted area.
If you would like to make a donation, here are some options:
United Way of Greater Nashville is partnering with Mayor John Cooper’s office to accept gifts to its Restore the Dream Fund which will provide long-term disaster recovery support to nonprofits for the survivors. People who wish to donate may visit www.unitedwaygreaternashville.org or text RESTORE20 to 41444.
The Salvation Army – Nashville Area Command is assisting survivors with urgent needs of food, transportation, and healthcare through Kroger Gift Cards, UBER Rides and UBER Eats. Gifts can be made in support of this disaster response at www.salvationarmynashville.org.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville provides a range of services that help clients through crises and toward self-sufficiency. Services include emergency financial assistance, counseling, job training, housing stability, hunger relief, and more. Gifts in support of their disaster relief efforts can be made at www.cctenn.org.
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Nashville Neighbors Fund, established in partnership with NewsChannel 5, is accepting gifts to provide services to both the immediate and long-term needs of survivors.
The Community Resource Center of Nashville will be actively engaged with long-term recovery efforts to provide basic essentials, clothing, household goods, and is collecting items to assist with debris removal, clean up and first responder needs.
If you would like to volunteer, Hands On Nashville is recruiting volunteers to help with disaster relief and recovery efforts, including cleanup and distribution of essential items to survivors and first responders. Visit hon.org to register as a volunteer or find a disaster-relief project.
