In order to strengthen disaster response and recovery in Blount County, a new nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, Blount Strong Relief Network Inc., has been established. With six years of planning, Blount Strong Relief will unite community resources and provide coordinated disaster relief and long-term recovery assistance for the residents of Blount County.

Founded with the belief that communities recover best when they work together, Blount Strong Relief will serve as a collaborative organization dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by natural disasters and other community emergencies. The organization will coordinate volunteers, partners with local agencies, churches, businesses, and civic organizations, and assist with both immediate disaster response and long-term recovery efforts.

“This initiative represents a significant milestone for Blount County residents. By incorporating critical insights gained from our friends and neighbors in Sevier County who did a tremendous job during the devastating 2016 wildfires, the newly established Blount Strong Relief Network, Inc stands prepared for future emergencies. As they continue to expand their volunteer network and reinforce their response infrastructure, ongoing community support will remain vital to sustaining readiness. We hope and pray their activation is never required, but their presence provides invaluable security for our community.” Ed Mitchell, Former Blount County Mayor

“Our mission is simple: when disaster strikes, no one in Blount County should have to recover alone,” said Rick Shepard, Board Chair. “Blount Strong Relief Network Inc brings together compassionate people, organizations, and resources so we can respond quickly, efficiently, and with hope.”

The organization’s mission is to provide coordinated disaster relief, recovery assistance, and community support before, during, and after disasters affecting Blount County. Through collaboration with emergency management officials, nonprofit partners, business partners, volunteers, and donors, Blount Strong Relief Network, Inc. seeks to build a stronger, more resilient community prepared to meet future challenges.

“Blount County has always been a community that comes together when our neighbors need us most. Blount Strong Relief Network Inc was created to build on that spirit and provide a coordinated, compassionate response when disaster strikes. Our goal is to be there for people not only in the immediate aftermath, but throughout the long road to recovery. We believe that when we work together—individuals, businesses, organizations, churches, and community partners—we can help our neighbors recover, rebuild, and become even stronger. This is about people helping people, and I am honored to be part of an organization dedicated to serving Blount County when it matters most.” Connie W. Huffman, Executive Director
Blount Strong Relief Network, Inc.

Services and initiatives will include:

  • Coordinating volunteers during disaster response and recovery.
  • Assisting individuals and families with unmet disaster-related needs.
  • Building partnerships with local government, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and businesses.
  • Supporting long-term recovery efforts following disasters.
  • Promoting disaster preparedness and community resilience through education and outreach.

As a newly formed nonprofit organization, Blount Strong Relief Network Inc. is actively seeking community partners, volunteers, board members, and financial supporters who share its commitment to serving neighbors in times of crisis.

Residents, businesses, civic groups, and churches interested in becoming involved are encouraged to contact the organization to learn how they can help strengthen Blount County’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

About Blount Strong Relief Network Inc.

Blount Strong Relief Network Inc. is a Tennessee nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the people of Blount County through coordinated disaster response, relief, and long-term recovery. By connecting volunteers, community organizations, businesses, and local agencies, the organization works to ensure that disaster survivors receive the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives while strengthening the resilience of the entire community.

For more information on Blount Strong Relief Network, Inc., please contact:

Connie W Huffman, Executive Director
Blount Strong Relief Network Inc.
257 N. Calderwood St., #251
Alcoa, TN 37701 

Email: [email protected]