Rebuild Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin, TN

Terry Wise is organizing this fundraiser.

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So many of our friends, neighbors, and business owners lost nearly everything. Our hearts are with them.

Uncle Johnny’s Hostel and Outfitter is still standing, but the Nolichucky River put the hurt on us also. We need to rebuild, and the bottom line is that we could use some help. We can’t express enough gratitude to the volunteers for giving their time and resources immediately after catastrophic floods swept through Erwin and Unicoi County, causing so much destruction. The Nolichucky obliterated the Chestoa bridge just across the intersection from Uncle Johnny’s, throwing it downstream like it was nothing. We’re incredibly thankful to be standing.

However, the property sustained extensive damage—

debris is everywhere
mud infiltrated many cabins and the hostel
trees punctured and tore roofs
the foundation on our store shifted, and now water continues to be an adversary, creating mold and contamination.

Uncle Johnny's Hostel is an icon of the Appalachian Trail. Established by John Shores (Uncle Johnny) in 1998, it has provided comfort and rest to hundreds of thousands of hikers. I thru-hiked (SOBO) in 2021 and committed myself to supporting the hiking community and being intimately connected to the AT by buying Uncle Johnny’s. I love this place and the small town of Erwin. I’ve been honored to host thru, section, and day hikers of the AT since 2021. I’ve loved the adventure of not knowing who I would meet. Lifelong friendships were made right here on this property—around the fire and on the river. Drew, Jackie, Brandon, and I (and many others, including many hikers) worked our tails off for the past three years, trying to make UJ a little better each day. Much of that effort was washed away in a matter of minutes - you have to be in awe of Mother Nature.

Now, as we grieve as a community for those who lost their homes, loved ones, and sense of security, we’re also daring to hope. We are strong and will rebuild, be better than ever, and be here for all hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Funds raised here will directly benefit our repairs and rebuilding so that hikers and others in our community can once again seek solace in The Valley Beautiful. Please take time to share this fundraising link with your community. We're better together.