EKCEP Reflects on Historic 2022 Flood and Ongoing Rebuilding Efforts One Year after Disaster

One year after historic flooding swept through several counties in Eastern Kentucky on the morning of July 28, 2022, EKCEP joins people across the region in remembering those lost in the disaster and also recognizing the important work that remains ongoing today to rebuild our communities. 

“It was heartbreaking to witness the effects of the flooding and how it impacted so many people in our region,” said EKCEP Executive Director Becky Carnes-Miller. “But it was also heartening to see how people came together in the immediate aftermath of the disaster to help each other, and now a year later as that work continues. At EKCEP, we remain committed to doing everything we can through our recovery employment initiative to help employers working in disaster relief ensure they have the workers they need to continue to help restore our region.” 

In the weeks following the flood, EKCEP formed the EKY FLOOD (Finding Local Opportunities for Overcoming Disaster) initiative, utilizing funding from the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet as part of a United States Department of Labor national dislocated worker grant. The program covers wages for individuals to participate specifically in cleanup and humanitarian efforts in the region for up to 12 months. 

Since forming the EKY FLOOD program, EKCEP has completed more than 1,000 enrollments for Eastern Kentuckians interested in assisting in relief efforts, with 229 moving on to participate in relief opportunities with 26 employers providing disaster relief services in the region. Of those enrolled, 91 people have entered short-term training; 145 began work-based learning opportunities; and nearly 500 received crucial supportive services such as work attire, training supplies, and transportation assistance. An additional 44 participants have attained an industry credential.

In the past 12 months, EKY FLOOD program participants have also worked to provide cleanup and demolition services for survivors as they began the process of rebuilding, while others provided humanitarian relief, delivering meals and supplies, or working in distribution centers in several counties.  

“It isn't surprising that so many people submitted an application and wanted to help,” said Carnes-Miller. “Eastern Kentuckians are always willing to step up to help others. On this anniversary, our thoughts are with those affected by this disaster and the work still left to do, but we remain encouraged by the spirit of community on display throughout the region.” 

To learn more about EKY FLOOD, visit ekyflood.com. 

EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. The agency provides an array of workforce development services and operates the Kentucky Career Center JobSight network of workforce centers, which provide access to more than a dozen state and federal programs that offer employment and training assistance for job seekers and employers all under one roof. Learn more about us at http://www.ekcep.org or http://www.facebook.com/ekcep.