CLARKSVILLE, TN − Appalachia Service Project (ASP) will begin construction on three mortgage-free homes for low-income families impacted by the devastating tornadoes that struck Middle Tennessee in December 2023.
On Dec. 9, 2023, severe storms swept across Middle Tennessee, spawning seven tornadoes – including an EF-3 that tore through communities near Clarksville. The strongest of these tornadoes was an EF-3 that touched down near Clarksville, running nearly 48 miles and leaving a wake of destruction in its path, damaging more than 1,000 homes.
In response, longtime disaster recovery partners called on ASP to assist with rebuilding efforts in Montgomery County – a region beyond ASP’s typical service area. After assessing the need and seeing the destruction, ASP committed to helping low-income Clarksville families recover by building durable, affordable homes at no cost to the homeowners.
To expand the impact, ASP invites volunteers, material donors, and licensed contractors to get involved. The organization is currently accepting bids for various construction phases and seeking land leads suitable for first-time homeowners.ASP plans to build these houses in sets of three to five. They are welcoming volunteers and donations to extend funding and serve more families. ASP is also welcoming bids from construction partners for any phase of construction, material donations, and property leads for first-time homeowners.
These homes would not be possible without the incredible support from so many partners, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, American Red Cross, FAHE, Tennessee-Western Kentucky United Methodist Church, Lutheran Disaster Recovery, and all members of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Long-Term Recovery Group, and private donors.
ASP is still accepting applications from families who lost their homes in the wake of disaster (both the 2023 tornadoes and the more recent disasters). Applications can be found online at www.ASPhome.org/apply, or email MTNDisasterRecovery@asphome.org for assistance. Clients are also encouraged to find an UMCOR case manager through the Long-Term Recovery Group.