Here’s where victims of flooding in eastern Kentucky can find shelter, meals, other aid

Jackie Starkey, Aaron Mudd

With the death toll climbing and significant property damage reported, area organizations along with government agencies have rallied to mobilize aid to Eastern Kentucky.

Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency Thursday morning for several counties amid severe flash flooding. President Joe Biden followed suit Friday, issuing a federal disaster declaration for 13 counties. The declaration will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin assessments.

Beshear said Saturday that his office has set up a website where those impacted by the flood can find information about a wide range of resources.

For those who are victims or family members of flood victims, we’ve rounded up some offerings for shelter, resources and more.

Meals available

Virginia disaster relief organization Mercy Chefs will serve daily meals in Whitesburg beginning Saturday evening, according to a release.

The July 30 evening meal will be served at Letcher County Central High School at 435 Cougar Drive in Whitesburg.

The following days, the organization will serve lunch and dinner at that location, and a group will be distributing meals to rural locations, the release states.

Cleaning supplies

In a release Friday, Lowe’s said it would offer free buckets and cleaning supplies at its stores in Hazard, Paintsville and Pikeville Sunday, July 31. The distribution begins at 9 a.m.

Available materials include buckets, batteries, sponges, bottled water, trash bags, goggles, hand sanitizer and more, according to a release.

Participating locations include the store at 527 North Mayo Trail in Paintsville, the store at 183 Cassady Blvd. in Pikeville and the store at 81 Commerce Drive in Hazard.

State parks

In his Thursday morning press conference, Beshear said three state parks would be opened to shelter those who have lost their homes. They are Jenny Wiley, Buckhorn and Pine Mountain.

  • Jenny Wiley State Park is located at 419 Jenny Wiley Drive, Prestonsburg, KY 41653.

  • Buckhorn Lake State Resort can be found at 4441 KY-1833, Buckhorn, KY 41721.

  • Those headed to Pine Mountain State Resort Park should go to 1050 State Park Road, Pineville, KY 40977.

A man prepares to launch a boat near flooded Wolverine Road in Breathitt County, Ky., on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Heavy rains have caused flash flooding and mudslides as storms pound parts of central Appalachia. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says it’s some of the worst flooding in state history.
A man prepares to launch a boat near flooded Wolverine Road in Breathitt County, Ky., on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Heavy rains have caused flash flooding and mudslides as storms pound parts of central Appalachia. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says it’s some of the worst flooding in state history.

City of Hazard

In a thread of tweets, the City of Hazard announced the following locations have opened as shelters for flood victims:

Floyd County Schools offering free meals to families Friday

Floyd County Schools announced on its Facebook page it would offer meals to families beginning Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“If you live in Floyd County and have a child between the ages of 1 to 18, you can pick up meals for your child and your family at the location listed below that is closest to you,” the school district said.

The following schools opened Friday and will be open through the weekend and into next week.

  • Adams Middle

  • Allen Elementary

  • Betsy Layne Elementary

  • Duff-Allen Central Elementary

  • May Valley Elementary

  • Prestonsburg High School

  • Stumbo Elementary

  • South Floyd Elementary

Waggin Tails Pet Resort

Waggin Tails Pet Resort, a pet grooming and boarding service in Letcher County, announced on its Facebook page it would be sheltering pets misplaced by the flood.

“We will house and feed them until we can find the owners!,” the business said.

Pet supplies can be dropped off at the business’ location in Whitesburg at 78 Golf Course Lane.

Kentucky Red Cross

In a mid-morning Facebook post Thursday, the Kentucky Red Cross said it was coordinating with officials on the ground in nine counties.

“At this time, the Red Cross is mobilizing resources and people to assist where needed,” the organization stated.

Red Cross shelters are open at:

  • First Presbyterian Church, 160 Broadway, Hazard, KY 41701

  • Floyd County Community Center, 7199 KY-80, Langley, KY 41645

If you have been impacted by the recent flash floods, call 1-800-733-2767.

Kentucky State Police

During a follow-up news conference held Thursday afternoon, Beshear stated those struggling to reach and reconnect with their loved ones should not call 911, but rather the area’s Kentucky State Police post.

Beshear said those with missing someone in Breathitt, Knott, Letcher or Perry counties should call 606-435-6069.

Floyd County

According to a post on the Floyd County Fiscal Court’s Facebook, the Floyd County Community Center is open to victims of the flooding seeking shelter.

The community center is located at 7199 KY-80, Langley, KY 41645.

The post shared a number those stranded and in need of rescue can call: 606-886-1010.

This story will be updated.

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