Abraham H. Maslow introduced the concept of a hierarchy of needs back in 1943. The hierarchy suggests that people are motivated to fulfill their basic physiological needs, before proceeding through rising levels of need—safety & security, love/belonging, self-esteem, to self-actualization.  During the early spring in Breathitt County Kentucky, many residents suffered physiological losses from a devastating flood; leaving many without clean drinking water, a home, or a way to clean/restore what was lost in the flood.

Breathitt County Extension Agents and staff, along with community partners, worked to provide bottled water, cleaning supplies, farm supplies, and personal hygiene items after the flooding to help meet some of the basic needs of county residents.  Agents utilized an Extension led regional distribution center as a way to acquire needed resources, as well as, managed partner-led donations. These donations were distributed though drive-thru programs, cleaning bucket drop off programs, farm visits, and through partnerships with community/emergency centers such as county fire departments, and churches. Residents received items such as bottled drinking water, bleach, mops, and soap; while family farms received hay, seed, and fencing supplies.

During the flood relief efforts over 38 family farms were reached with needed supplies, while over 250 households were reached with bottled water and cleaning supplies.  Approximately 35 pallets of bottled water were distributed throughout the entire county, and several under-served communities were reached with direct cleaning supply aide.  Approximately $20,000.00 in community donations/support were distributed throughout Breathitt County via Extension programming.

Meeting the physiological needs of residents in Breathitt County was the main goal with all of the flood relief efforts conducted by Breathitt Extension Agents and staff. County residents expressed their thankfulness for the help during their time of need; one lady stating, “I just don’t know what I would do without you all helping us.  I have lost everything.”