Frequently Asked Questions
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 neighbor.
Mountain Ways launched relief and recovery assistance on October 17th, responding to the areas affected by 2024 flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
Funding is made possible based on donations received and ongoing fundraising initiatives. Assistance will be provided based on eligibility requirements for 2024 Hurricane Helene flooding.
Assistance – FAQ:
What are the eligibility requirements for Mountain Ways assistance?
An individual or family (homeowner or renter) with a 100% total loss of primary residence due to the 2024 flooding of Hurricane Helene in one of the following disaster-declared counties.
Tennessee: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington.
Western North Carolina: Ashe, Avery, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, Yancey, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
The Assistance Application online (mtnways.org) must be completed and submitted PRIOR to the posted deadline.
What if I am not eligible for Mountain Ways Assistance?
Please go to mtnways.org/get-relief, and complete the pre-application. Because your Primary Residence was not a 100% total loss we are not able to accept your application.
However, we will save your pre-application in the event your damage assessment changes. You will still need to sign and submit your pre-application. On the application, hit the next button to sign and submit.
Visit our Resources Page for other relief assistance programs. Please check back frequently as we will continue to update and add resources.
What relief and recovery assistance will Mountain Ways offer?
Our mission is to share and preserve that Appalachian culture and heritage by giving back and helping our neighbors.
Our assistance initiatives will provide a combination of financial support and/or support in areas such as: food, shelter, transportation, medical needs, and funeral expenses to help individuals and families recover.
Mountain Ways may adapt their focus initiatives, based on the ‘specific need’ as stated by the Primary Applicant on their Assistance Application.
Other Nonprofits and Government Facilitation: Mountain Ways leaders will reach out to build relationships with key contacts for the expanded ability to communicate with the other Nonprofits and Government Agencies. These agencies may provide additional resources to apply for relief and recovery assistance. The mtnways.org website provides a Resources Page for Nonprofits and Government Agencies. Please check back frequently as we will continue to update and add resources.
What counties are designated for Mountain Ways relief?
Disaster-declared counties due to the 2024 flooding of Hurricane Helene.
Tennessee counties to assist or facilitate needs: Cocke, Carter, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, Washington
Western North Carolina counties to assist or facilitate needs: Ashe, Avery, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, Yancey and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Why did you choose the counties you did to offer relief to?
The need for support to the flood survivors in Tennessee and Western North Carolina is great. We identified the rural, disaster-declared counties in Tennessee and Western North Carolina that have great need and are currently underserved in their level of support.
We identified individuals or families (homeowner or renter) with a 100% total loss of their primary residence due to the 2024 flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, as the priority at this time for our assistance initiatives.
Continued donations and support to Mountain Ways over the coming months is needed to expand the reach and depth of assistance we can provide. Our objective is to ensure that 100% of funds raised are going directly to survivors of the affected communities. We know the relief and recovery efforts and the rebuilding for these communities is going to be long and storied, and we are committed to supporting one another.
When can I apply for assistance from Mountain Ways?
The assistance application will be available online on October 21st, 2024 at mtnways.org. The deadline for submission is December 31st, 2024.
How can I apply for assistance from Mountain Ways?
Assistance applications are available online at (mtnways.org) for completion by the Primary Applicant who will represent and provide the information for the individual or family. Applications MUST be completed and submitted PRIOR to the posted deadline. Mountain Ways assistance is based on donations received and ongoing fundraising initiatives. If you are in need of help or guidance with the application, please call (865) 412-7798.
What documentation will I need to complete the Assistance Application?
The Primary Applicant must provide PROOF OF LIVING and upload the following:
- Current Photo ID*
- Another document that shows your name and permanent address on a utility bill, tax records, or bank statement.
*You may be asked for additional documentation for verification purposes if you do not upload your photo ID or another document.
Tip: You can take a phone photo of both documents and upload it to your application.
If you are not able to upload these 2 documents, please continue to fill out and submit the application.
What if I do not have these documents (Photo ID and utility bill, tax records, or bank statement.)
Please send an email to info@mtnways.org and reference the date and time the application was submitted. In order for us to assist you with options, please explain the reasons for not having these documents or being able to provide them.
When will I receive assistance from Mountain Ways?
Upon verification, the Primary Applicant will be notified via email for distribution instructions.
How will I be notified if my application has been approved?
Following the application deadline on Monday, December 31st, 2024, Mountain Ways leaders will review the applications received and make decisions for: approval, additional documents needed, pending further review, or denial. Primary Applicants will be notified via email of their current status and any instructions related to Mountain Ways assistance or facilitation.
When and where will Assistance be communicated and distributed?
Primary Applicants will be notified via email of their current status and any instructions related to Mountain Ways assistance. Distribution dates, times and locations will be notified via email for Primary Applicants who have been approved.
Will there be an interpreter available?
If needed, we will have a Spanish/English Interpreter available. Please email us in advance at info@mtnways.org if needed.
What do I need to bring when meeting with Mountain Ways team members?
You will be notified if additional information or documentation is needed.
Does my whole family need to meet with the Mountain Ways team?
No, only the Primary Applicant of the residence is required.
If I move my primary residence, how can I keep my address up to date?
If you need to update your application, please email Mountain Ways stating Primary Applicant Name, and updated information such as; an address or phone number change to info@mtnways.org or call (865) 412-7798.
Do I need to be the homeowner or property owner to receive assistance?
No, you are not required to be the homeowner, but you must have been actively renting and living in the property as your primary residence at the time of the floods. Eligibility is based on an Individual or family (homeowner or renter) with a 100% total loss of primary residence due to the 2024 flooding of Hurricane Helene.
Can I get assistance if my rental property was damaged or a total loss?
No, only an individual or family (homeowner or renter) with a 100% total loss of primary residence due to the 2024 flooding of Hurricane Helene.
What if I have questions?
Please email your questions to info@mtnwas.org or call (865) 412-7798.
Make A Donation – FAQ:
How do I make a donation?
Thank you for your interest in supporting Mountain Ways. Anyone can donate to Mountain Ways online (mtnways.org) or by mail to:
Mountain Ways
PO Box 1709
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
For additional information, please call (865) 412-7798 or email info@mtnways.org.
How much of my donation goes to the individuals and families?
100% of your donation will go directly to relief and recovery assistance for the 2024 floods caused by Hurricane Helene.
My company or corporation would like to make a large donation, is there a special process for this?
Thank you for your interest in supporting Mountain Ways. We are happy to provide our EIN or other documentation needed for your donation. Checks can be mailed to:
Mountain Ways
PO Box 1709
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
For additional information, please call (865) 412-7798 or email info@mtnways.org.