In celebration of Founders Week, ETSU is proud to launch a special partnership with Appalachia Service Project through a powerful new initiative: Project Welcome Home.Project Welcome Home reflects our university’s ongoing commitment to community and
regional impact by helping families across Appalachia settle into safe, newly built
or renovated homes following disaster or hardship. Through our online housewarming
registry, ETSU will collect essential household items—ranging from kitchen utensils
and bedding to large appliances and furniture—for homes that are near or recently
completed.
Individuals, student organizations, and campus offices can browse the registry and
purchase items that will be delivered directly to families as they move in. Together,
we’ll celebrate the strength, resilience, and community spirit that define ETSU and
the region—offering not just supplies, but a heartfelt welcome home.
Who We Are Serving
Hancock County
This family of four from Hancock County's prior home did not accommodate for accessibility, had minimum privacy, and was not in an ideal condition for children. Now, ASP is able to provide this family with a 4-bedroom 2-bathroom home, large enough for everyone to have their own bedroom, and ensure that it is accessible. The family will receive their home completely mortgage free, ensuring that they will be able to move into their new home worry-free without the financial burden of a mortgage.
Note: Please double check the shipping details when confirming your purchase.
Purchases for the Hancock County family should read:
Asp Family- Lh C/O Summit Leadership
3515 Bristol Highway
Johnson City, TN 37601
Phone at Delivery Address: 423-283-7557
Washington County
This family of three from Washington County live in one of the most hard-hit areas in the Jonesborough/Erwin vicinity. Not only did the flooding from the hurricane destroy their home, but it also washed away the property they owned right along the river. With nowhere for their family to build back, and limited options to rebuild within his budget, ASP was able to find a property in Johnson City and allow their family to relocate. They will receive their home completely mortgage free, allowing them to have a fresh start in a safe location.
Note: Please double check the shipping details when confirming your purchase.
Purchases for the Washington County family should read:
Asp Family-Mm C/O Summit Leadership
3515 Bristol Highway
Johnson City, TN 37601
Phone at Delivery Address: 423-283-7557
Meet Appalachia Service Project
Appalachia Service Project (ASP) provides one of the most rewarding structured service opportunities in the nation, bringing thousands of volunteers from across the country to rural Central Appalachia to repair homes for low-income families.
Since 1969, ASP has worked to make homes warmer, safer, and drier while offering transformational service experiences for volunteers. Each year, more than 15,000 volunteers serve with ASP, providing critical repairs for over 350 families. Guided by its vision, ASP seeks both the eradication of substandard housing in Central Appalachia and the transformation of everyone who comes in contact with the organization.
Summit Leadership Foundation
Project Welcome Home would not be possible without the support of Summit Leadership Foundation, which is providing storage space and delivery support for donated items.
Summit believes leaders are able to accomplish more when they are connected with other leaders. Summit does this by connecting, consulting, coaching, and caring for and with area non-profits and impact-focused organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who is eligible to participate in ETSU Project Welcome Home?
We invite faculty, staff, students, alumni, departments, offices, and community members to get involved, individually or together. -
What families are we supporting?
ETSU is partnering with Appalachia Service Project to support families affected by disaster or hardship. You can read more about the families we are serving in the section above, “Who We Are Serving.” You can learn more about ASP's homeowner services and eligibility here. -
How does the project work?
Participating in ETSU Project Welcome Home is easy - 1) Browse the registry to see needed items, 2) Select the item(s) you wish to donate, and 3) Check-Out to complete the purchase. Looking at donating a more expensive or larger item - consider combining efforts as a student organization, department, or office. -
How will the families get the items for their new home?
All items purchased through the registry will be directly delivered to the family's new home upon move-in. -
Can we use university dollars to make purchases?
No; The goal of Project Welcome Home is for individual students, faculty, staff, and alumni to donate and support individually or together as a way of giving back.
For additional questions or information, contact communityengage@etsu.edu