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Press FAQ

1. What is Appalachia Relief?

We have one core mission: To provide crowdsourced, vetted, reliable info for rebuilding & recovery in Southern Appalachia. We are an all-volunteer effort working to provide info for people on the ground by people on the ground.

2. What services does Appalachia Relief provide?
We offer no services directly except information. 

In the earliest days after Hurricane Helene, that information included real-time updates on where to get confirmed essentials safely, including: shelter; food, water, showers and laundry services; communication resources; fuel and power; trash services; and other general supplies.

As we have moved into the recovery phase, we continue to crowdsource important information and PSAs including info on: abuse & trafficking; fire safety; heat & staying warm; housing; RV Living; and more.

3. Is the information provided by Appalachia Relief reliable?
Yes, all information shared by Appalachia Relief is sourced by locals on the ground. Our volunteers ensure that the resources we list are up-to-date and verified, offering accurate and trustworthy support for those in need.

4. What sets Appalachia Relief apart from other relief organizations?
Appalachia Relief focuses exclusively on providing crowdsourced, vetted, reliable info for rebuilding & recovery in Southern Appalachia. We are a hub for communication and collaboration, connecting folks to vetted resources in their area.

5. Does Appalachia Relief provide any long-term recovery resources?
Our goal is to facilitate long-term recovery by continuing to connect folks to reliable information about housing, mental health resources, and more.

6. How does Appalachia Relief coordinate with other organizations?
We are partnering with local nonprofits, relief organizations, and other grassroots efforts to ensure that information is distributed efficiently and where it’s needed most. Our goal is to avoid redundancy and maximize the impact of our shared knowledge and resources.

7. Does Appalachia Relief accept financial donations?
We are not currently accepting financial donations. Please see our Vetted Fundraisers page for a list of individuals, families, and organizations doing disaster relief that could use your financial help.

8. How does Appalachia Relief fund its operations?
Our operations are currently self-funded, with volunteers contributing to the platform’s maintenance and upkeep as they see fit. 

9. How is Appalachia Relief structured and operated?
Appalachia Relief is an all-volunteer organization with a decentralized structure. There are no formal leadership roles; instead, folks collaborate in real-time to source important info and updates.

10. How can folks volunteer with Appalachia Relief?

Our approach is flexible and volunteer-driven, allowing anyone to contribute based on their skills and resources. Please see our Volunteering page for local and remote opportunities.

11. What other ways are there to support the mission of Appalachia Relief?
We encourage folks to contribute by submitting information about resources and fundraisers so we can help spread the word!

12. What’s the best way to contact Appalachia Relief for media inquiries?
For all media-related questions, please email us at press@appalachiarelief.org