Earlier that day, Hurricane Helene roared into the Southern Appalachian Mountains after moving north through Florida and Georgia. The storm prompted a deadly flash flood that tore through Unicoi County in eastern Tennessee, trapping dozens of people on the rooftop of the county hospital.

As winter weather sets in, many people left homeless by Hurricane Helene have had to endure the bitter cold in tents and vehicles. But due to the generosity of one charity, they are finding warmth and comfort from the wintry elements.