Disaster Response
Explore active, long-term, and previous Wilson VOAD disaster responses.
Disaster Response
During the storms and tornadoes in March 2020, hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed in Wilson County. In the months to follow, local leaders, disaster relief organizations, churches, nonprofits, and businesses coordinated a Long Term Recovery Group that would become known as Recover Wilson. That LTRG served community members who could not recover on their own post the March 3 tornado, the Flood in March of 2021, and the tornado in December of 2021. Since then, we have mobilized a chapter of Wilson Co. VOAD so that we can immediately activate following the storms to connect survivors with trusted community organizations offering recovery resources.
Our partners would be able to provide the following services and support:
- Shelter
- Home repair
- Debris cleanup
- Transportation
- Replacement of home goods
- Mental health services
- Assistance applying for FEMA
Below you will find tabs of additional information we would be able to provide to the community as well. Some of these tabs have vital information to educate yourself in advance of a disaster as well.
Distribution Locations
Disaster Relief Distribution Site
The FiftyForward senior center in Madison is a disaster relief distribution site for essential items, including cleaning and hygiene supplies, baby items, and shelf-stable food. Spanish translation services are available on site.
FiftyForward Madison Station
530 Madison Station Blvd.
Madison, TN 37115
Dec. 26–28: 9am – 1pm
Jan. 2–5: 9am – 1pm
Food Distribution
For those needing immediate food resources, Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee has put the following locations into Disaster Response. Those affected by the storm can visit any of these locations as often as needed to keep their household stocked with food. Note that the holidays may affect hours on some days.
East Nashville Cooperative Ministry
3115 Gallatin Pike
615-540-0122
Mon-Wed, 9am – 3:30pm
Salvation Army Magness Potter
611 Stockell St.
615-242-0411 x225
Mon-Thurs, 1pm – 4pm
Christian Cooperative Ministry
201 Madison St.
615-868-6865
Mon and Wed, 9am – 12:15pm
Tues and Thurs, 10am – 12:15pm
Template Baptist Church
3720 Kings Lane
615-868-7656
Saturday 10am – 1pm
Rebuilding Resources
How to Avoid Scams
If you need to hire a professional contractor to make repairs or rebuild your home, here are tips to protect yourself and avoid scams:
- Call 1-800-342-4029 or visit http://verify.tn.gov/ to verify that the contractor is licensed and certified by the state.
- Verify the company’s permanent business address is in this area and not from out of state.
- Ask for references before hiring a contractor and check them.
- Ask for proof of the contractor’s general liability insurance. A reputable contractor should be able to show you an insurance certificate. Usually, the insurance carrier can have a copy of the certificate sent directly from their agency, however, this may not be realistic immediately after a disaster.
- Be wary of a contractor who wants full payment before the job begins or will only accept cash payments.
- Be wary of low bids. The lowest bid is not always the best. Do not feel any pressure from the contractor to make an immediate decision.
- In Tennessee, all jobs should be permitted and inspected. Check with the Wilson County Codes Department (or other local municipality or county) to verify the contractor submitted the proper permits and inspection requests.
Renter’s Rights After a Disaster
Can I get out of my lease if my home is damaged?
If your lease says you can or if you cannot live in part of your rented home because of damage, you can cancel the lease. If you cannot live in any part of your rental unit, you must give your landlord a written notice that you are canceling your lease. You should also ask in writing a refund of your security deposit and any pre-paid rent from your landlord.
What do I do if I lost my job because of the disaster and cannot pay rent?
If you do not pay rent your landlord can give you a notice to move. Your landlord may later file an eviction case against you. If your rent is subsidized by the government, you are entitled to have your part of the rent reduced. You should contact the agency that helps you with your rent to get a reduction.
Can my landlord make me move immediately if I can live in my home?
No. If your home is still in livable shape, then normal landlord-tenant laws apply. You cannot be evicted without reason. Your landlord can only evict you if the lease is expired or you break the lease. A landlord can only make you move by giving you a notice telling you to get out by a certain date and then filing a lawsuit after that date. Your landlord may not have to give you notice if you do not pay rent. If your lease is expired, your landlord may be able to force you to move by giving you a 30-day notice. If your landlord locks you out and refuses to give you a key, you can sue to get back in your place.
Can my landlord make me move so they can make repairs?
If you can still live in the home safely, you do not have to move until the lease is over. If you have a written lease, it may cover this problem. If not, your landlord can only make you move if your home is not safe to live in. If the landlord has to move you out to make repairs so that the home will be safe again, the landlord can break your lease. The landlord should give you 14 days to move out. The landlord should also give you back your security deposit and any pre-paid rent.
What do I do if I am served with an eviction lawsuit?
Carefully read the papers and be sure to show up in court to tell your side of the story. You have the right to represent yourself or you can call Legal Aid Society for information or to help if you qualify. You may also find helpful information regarding eviction lawsuits at www.las.org.
To apply for legal assistance, please call Legal Aid Society at 1-800-238-1443 or visit www.las.org for more information.

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.
