Three rivers-the Pigeon, Nolichucky, and French Broad-run through Cocke County Tennessee. Catastrophic flooding of these rivers from Hurricane Helene damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses throughout the county. Long term recovery is estimated to take several years. Cocke County is in Northeast Tennessee, bordering North Carolina to the Southeast and is situated along the I-40 Corridor. A significant portion of the county is within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee National Forest. Sister-Corps will partner with the Cocke County Long Term Recovery Group to assist in rebuilding Cocke County and the city of Newport Tennessee.
This project is a companion with the Sister-Corps Project in Western North Carolina which will occur in late September. You are welcome to join us for one or both projects and to even stay in our part of the country between the projects to enjoy all that the Appalachians have to offer!
Team Structure:
Project Director: Cathy Miller (276)492-4363. cathymiller6691@gmail.com
Key Dates:
Thursday 10/22/26: Advance team arrive
Friday 10/23/26: Basecamp Coordinator, Inventory Lead, Work Team Leads, and Medical Team arrive
Sunday 10/25/26: All other volunteers arrive; Power Tool Safety Verification
Monday 10/26/26- Friday 10/30/26: Workdays
Saturday 10/31/26: Break down camp and depart
Housing and Meals:
We will be staying at Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center located at 1120 Carson Springs Road, Newport TN 37821in Pine Lodge. This will be bunking-style accommodation(all lower bunks) with bathrooms and showers in the center of the lodge. There will also be 5 campsites available on a first come first serve basis so if you are traveling in your RV and prefer a campsite, please let me know ASAP.
The Food Service Team from Carson Springs will be preparing our meals for us and will be happy to accommodate any allergies and/or special dietary requirements.
Cost and Requirements:
-Project fee: $95 This includes accommodation and meals only and is nonrefundable but transferrable.
Pay Project fee here:
https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z8HQ/campaign/C-16CGR
-*** New Procedure***
T-Shirts: If you have Sister-Corps t-shirts you are welcome to bring them to wear at this project. Blue is for Project Directors; Red is for the Medical Team; and Gray is for the Team Leaders and Team Volunteers. If you need to buy t-shirts you can do that with link below. We generally buy 1 short sleeve and 1 long sleeve but will leave that to your discretion. Please let Cathy know if you have any questions.
T SHIRT LINK:
https://sister-corpstennessee.itemorder.com/shop/home/
-Please leave pets at home in their safe, comfortable surroundings.
Next Steps-Checklist
1. Click the ‘respond’ button on this page to begin your registration process.
2. Complete the questions from the Project Director regarding skills and interests.
3. Pay the registration fee by following the payment link. Your spot is secured once your fee is paid. Note, fees are non-refundable, but they are transferable to the next person on the waitlist.
4. Join our Facebook group(2026.10 TN Cocke County Project) for updates and community discussions. Information will also be communicated by email.
5. Complete the required background check once email to do so is received.
