Storm Recovery Resources

UVA Wise is dedicated to supporting those members of our community who were most impacted by Hurricane Helene, which visited central and southern Appalachia recently and left a devastating trail of destruction throughout Southwest Virginia, Northeast Tennessee, Eastern Kentucky, and, of course, Western North Carolina.

Please share the resources below and utilize them to show care for our fellow Cavaliers who have been affected by this tragedy.

Support for our students:

If you have ongoing concerns as a result of the Hurricane’s impact, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the following support: 

• Submit a CAVS Care Report if you or someone you know in our community is experiencing a non-academic concern.
• Contact Mike Shell, senior director of undergraduate studies, if you have academic concerns such as class absences. 
• The Counseling Center is available to support your mental well-being. 
• Visit Smiddy’s Cupboard and Smiddy’s Express for non-perishable food items and toiletries, which are available to all UVA Wise students, including commuters and residential students.
• If you are in need of additional financial support due to the storm, please fill out the emergency funding request form to inquire if you may be eligible for funds, which our Financial Aid and Advancement and Alumni Relations Offices have established.

Support for our employees:

We look forward to having you back on campus, but should the storm impact your ability to report to work, please contact your supervisor. Remember that our Family and Employee Assistance Program is available to support your well-being.

Ways to help:

UVA Wise students and employees are already asking what they can do to help their friends and neighbors recovering following Hurricane Helene’s impacts. Although anyone is able to contribute as they see fit, we’ve created the following list of opportunities in order to make the greatest impact as a community.

• Create CAVS care letters for first responders. Write in and decorate cards on the first floor of Slemp Student Center Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Participate in the Fighting Cavs Food Drive. Now through November 8, all donations will go towards helping communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Donations can be dropped off in Cantrell Hall, at the ROTC office, at the SWVA Higher Education Center - UVA Wise Office in Abingdon or in boxes placed around campus.
• Donate at the Marsh Blood Drive. Taking place Thursday, October 7, the drive will be held at Wise Food City from 12 – 6 p.m. 
• Contribute batteries and baby wipes, two of the most-needed items according to United Way of Southwest Virginia. Look for red bins in Slemp Student Center and at athletic events.
• Help a Silver Sabre team win the penny wars. During Homecoming week, Silver Sabre will include penny wars which will also benefit the United Way of Southwest Virginia’s fund for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
• Those wishing to make monetary gifts to support the efforts of United Way of Southwest Virginia can give through the Foundation’s Faculty, Staff, Student Relief Fund. Visit the College’s giving page, select the “greatest needs” category and in the notes section mention Hurricane Helene.