How to help people and communities in desperate need after KY Tornadoes (Dec. 2021)

 from Union of Concerned Scientists web posting "Here's How You Can Support Recovery efforts"

Coming together across the Commonwealth and country

It is heartwarming to see the amount of support and concern coming into Kentucky and the on-the-ground efforts to keep residents and responders safe, fed, hydrated, housed, and warm. If you are financially able and willing to help, here are a few ways to support:

Mutual aid, donations, and supplies needed

• Kentuckians for the Commonwealth is updating a list of resources here.
• Queer Kentucky started this fund to ensure mutual aid reaches LGBTQ+ organizations and individuals in Western Kentucky.
• The Commonwealth Alliance Donor Table, Kentucky Civic Engagement Table, Black Leadership Action Coalition of Kentucky, and Hood to the Holler are raising funds to support disaster relief efforts in Western Kentucky and prioritizing Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Refugee, Immigrant, and poor and working class Kentuckians.
• Local radio station WFPL has a list here.

Mental health resources

• Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 If you’re feeling emotional distress related to a disaster, call or text to talk with a trained counselor. You can get support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• Dr. Monica Unseld, Founder of Until Justice Data Partners, shared this resource in their recent newsletter: Managing Traumatic Grief and Coping After National Crisis.