Smyrna business offering emergency hurricane relief shelter

SMYRNA, Tenn. (WSMV) – Mandatory evacuation orders are in place across much of Florida’s Gulf Coast as Hurricane Milton is already causing tornadoes and heavy rain ahead of its landfall.

With people fleeing to the Nashville area, small businesses are trying to help people however they can.

Downtown Social owner Victoria Wilegus said she saw stories of people struggling on TikTok and wanted to offer shelter to families that might not be able to afford a hotel.

She’s opening the Smyrna event space that’s normally used for birthday parties and wedding receptions.

“I really just want people to have a place to rest their head,” Wilegus said. “They are already losing so much. It’s not about me, it’s about what the people are going to have at the end of the day. I don’t have tons of cash I can give people, but I do have an empty space that I can at least let people stay the night at.”

Downtown Social didn’t have any events between Wednesday night and Saturday morning, so she’s preparing to host up to 50 people.

Volunteers have signed up to help the families and donate cots, pillows, blankets and other things that might be needed.

People seeking shelter can contact Wilegus on social media or by calling the business at (931) 623-7033.

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