The numbers from the flooding in Nashville continue to astound. Twenty-one people have died in Tennessee and thousands of people have been driven from their homes. The pictures that are continuing to come in show the level of devastation in Middle Tennessee, and many families are just now being able to get back and see the damage sustained to their homes. Nashville institutions like the Grand Ole Opry House, Broadway and the Opryland hotel have sustained heavy damage. The Obama Administration has declared Cheatham, Davidson, Dyer, Hickman, Montgomery, and Williamson counties federal disaster areas, and it will take months and lots of hard work to repair the areas damaged.

However, with the barrage of bad news, I find it very uplifting to see people from all over the area coming together to help those in need. With every picture of devastation, you see three pictures of neighbors, first responders and families pitching in to rescue people in need and lend a hand to those who have lost so much. This truly captures the essence of the Volunteer State. Our leaders have also done a fantastic job including Mayor Karl Dean and Governor Phil Bredesen.

I continue to have people come up to me and ask, “how can I help?” I have been directing people to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. They have been working in partnership with Davidson County’s Office of Emergency Management for the Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund. According to the CMFT, grants from the fund will support relief and restoration in the Davidson County area. For more information, you can visit http://www.cfmt.org/floodrelief

Chapters of the Red Cross have been operating shelters all across Middle Tennessee to help those suffering from loss. For more information about the Red Cross’ work, please visit http://www.nashvilleredcross.org.