Disaster Response

Explore active, long-term, and previous Nashville VOAD disaster responses

December 2023 Storms and Tornado

During the storms on Dec. 9, 2023 at least 860 homes and businesses in Davidson County were damaged or destroyed. The Nashville VOAD immediately activated following the storms to connect survivors with trusted community organizations offering recovery resources. 

If you live in Davidson County and need assistance, complete this online form and one of our partners will be in touch within four business days. Si habla espanol y ocupa ayuda para llenar el formulario por favor llame a 211.

Our partners are able to provide the following services and support:

  • Shelter
  • Home repair 
  • Debris cleanup
  • Transportation
  • Vehicle repair
  • Replacement of home goods
  • Mental health services
  • Assistance applying for FEMA

If you need immediate assistance with food or other essential items, please see a list of distribution locations below. 

Disaster Recovery Center: Apply for Federal Assistance

A Disaster Recovery Center has been established at the Madison Public Library for individuals and businesses to apply for federal assistance. At the center, survivors can receive information on disaster assistance programs and apply for federal aid.

Disaster survivors can also apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassitance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use TTY, call 1-800-7585. Those who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) may call 1-800-621-3362.

All individuals and businesses affected by the storms are encouraged to apply.

Disaster Recovery Center Location and Hours:
Madison Public Library
610 Gallatin Pk. S
Madison, TN 37115
Mon - Sat, 8am - 7pm and Sun, 1pm - 5pm

Distribution Locations

Disaster Relief Distribution Site
Food Distribution

Rebuilding Resources

How to Avoid Scams
Metro Nashville Codes Emergency Electrical Re-Connects

Renters' Rights After a Disaster

Can I get out of my lease if my home is damaged?
What do I do if I lost my job because of the disaster and cannot pay rent?
Can my landlord make me move immediately if I can live in my home?
Can my landlord make me move so they can make repairs?
What do I do if I am served with an eviction lawsuit?

Past Responses

March 2021 Flood

More than 7 inches of rain fell between March 27-28, 2021, causing flooding that resulted in multiple deaths, devastated neighborhoods, and displaced residents – the second worst flood event in Nashville history.

In response, the Disaster Recovery Connection, a helpline administered by The Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church and United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), was established to provide immediate support.

Christmas Day Bombing 2020

In the wake of an explosion in downtown Nashville early morning on Christmas Day, Nashville’s residents showed up to support one another — making the phrase “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” ring true for this Middle Tennessee community.

The Nashville community continues to be here to help those impacted by the tragedy on December 25, 2020, as part of the historic downtown response and recovery.

March 2020 Tornado

Finding and serving tornado survivors — in the midst of a worldwide pandemic and economic crisis, no less — remains the focus of the Davidson County Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG).

The LTRG offers additional long-term assistance to individuals affected by the disaster who do not have adequate personal resources, and stewards volunteer, material and financial resources.

Do NOT self-deploy

Seeing images of disaster may compel you to head to the impacted area. Don’t underestimate the complexity of working in a disaster area.

Until a need has been identified and the local community impacted has requested support, volunteers should not enter.

When the time comes, volunteer opportunities will be available through our partner organizations so that you can help your neighbor under the guidance of experienced organizations.

Do stay involved

Recovery lasts a lot longer than the media attention. There will be volunteer needs for many months, often years, after the disaster. Especially when the community enters the long-term recovery period.