Additional Disaster Funding Expected for Davidson County

Hundreds of thousands raised for storm recovery, more on the way, say nonprofits

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised for storm recovery in Davidson County, Tennessee, following Winter Storm Fern, and more funding is expected to be released by the end of the week, according to the United Way of Greater Nashville. Local nonprofits like Rooftop Nashville and Catholic Charities Diocese of Nashville have already received $25,000 each in disaster relief and report receiving hundreds of referrals for assistance with food, home damage, transportation, and utility bills.

Why it matters

The storm has exacerbated financial needs that many Davidson County residents were already facing, with nonprofits seeing a surge in requests for help. The additional funding is critical to support recovery efforts and provide aid to those impacted by the severe weather.

The details

Rooftop Nashville and Catholic Charities Diocese of Nashville were among the first nonprofits to receive $25,000 in disaster relief. Both organizations report seeing a significant increase in referrals for assistance with food, home damage, transportation issues, and skyrocketing utility bills. The United Way of Greater Nashville says nearly 2,000 applications have been completed through the Nashville Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and they are working to connect those in need with the appropriate local agencies.

  • Winter Storm Fern hit Davidson County in early 2026.
  • As of Wednesday morning, Rooftop Nashville had received over 300 referrals, and Catholic Charities had received over 200.
  • The United Way of Greater Nashville says thousands of more dollars are expected to be released by the end of the week.

The players

Rooftop Nashville

A local nonprofit that received $25,000 in disaster relief and has seen a surge in requests for assistance following the storm.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Nashville

A local nonprofit that received $25,000 in disaster relief and has seen a significant increase in referrals for help with food, home damage, transportation, and utility bills.

United Way of Greater Nashville

The organization overseeing the Nashville Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and coordinating the distribution of additional disaster funding expected this week.

Lisa Wooley

The Executive Director of Rooftop Nashville.

Heather Mencky

The Senior Director of Programs for the Catholic Charities Diocese of Nashville.

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What they’re saying

“Mainly, the story is, I spent all this money, and now I can't take care of my basic needs.”

— Lisa Wooley, Executive Director, Rooftop Nashville (WKRN)

“We have received various referrals for food, damage to the homes, people not being able to get to and from work, and even people who had power throughout the storm and had to host their family or friends. So we've also seen their electricity bills skyrocket, and so they're just seeking various forms of assistance.”

— Heather Mencky, Senior Director of Programs, Catholic Charities Diocese of Nashville (WKRN)

What’s next

The United Way of Greater Nashville says thousands of more dollars are expected to be released by the end of the week to support storm recovery efforts in Davidson County.

The takeaway

The additional disaster funding is critical to help Davidson County residents recover from the impacts of Winter Storm Fern, which has exacerbated existing financial challenges for many in the community. The coordinated efforts of local nonprofits and the United Way are essential to connecting those in need with the resources and assistance they require.