Southern Baptists continue to assist Hurricane Helene survivors six months post-landfall, focusing on community rebuilding. The storm affected six states, causing over 230 deaths and $200 billion in damages. SBDR has provided over 1 million meals and completed over 130 home rebuilds, showcasing the strength of volunteer efforts and the impact on local communities and faith.
Southern Baptists have remained committed to aiding Hurricane Helene survivors since the storm’s landfall on September 26, with efforts now focused on community rebuilding six months later. Helene impacted six states, resulting in over 230 fatalities and approximately $200 billion in damages, marking it as the costliest storm in U.S. history.
Josh Benton, vice president of Send Relief, emphasized the extensive reach of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR), stating the need to cover vast territories. He praised the volunteers’ dedication and the collaborative efforts that exemplified the strength of the SBDR network in the wake of the disaster.
Post landfall, SBDR provided over 1 million meals, completed more than 7,800 recovery tasks, and reported 244 professed conversions at nearly 40 sites across the affected states: Florida, Georgia, both Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. Transitioning from immediate recovery, efforts in Appalachia have shifted towards rebuilding efforts.
Maria Lee, the wife of Tennessee’s governor, joined Tennessee Baptists in their Arise and Build initiative, which has accomplished over 110 rebuild jobs. Western North Carolina, particularly Asheville, experienced severe damage. Todd Unzicker from N.C. Baptists highlighted the united response from churches across the nation.
Initially, SBDR’s work focused on immediate relief, providing meals and cleanup efforts. Volunteers are now dedicated to rebuilding homes, with the process beginning by identifying easily reparable homes. Richard Weeks, an associational strategist, has played a pivotal role in leading rebuild initiatives since October.
Approximately 1,400 response teams made up of over 7,000 volunteers have supported the rebuilding efforts, leading to 130 completed homes and 250 more currently in progress. Unzicker shared positive outcomes including community members coming back to faith due to the assistance they received.
Weeks noted that many individuals, initially disenchanted with the church, found renewed hope through the support they received. One particularly moving story involved a family whose interactions with volunteers rekindled their faith and eventually led to church attendance.
Baptists on Mission secured a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government for rebuilding, complemented by additional financial aid from Send Relief. Donations are being collected through ServeNC to sustain ongoing support through 2025. Unzicker expressed confidence in God’s continued provision as long-term rebuilding efforts proceed.
Southern Baptists have made significant strides in aiding Hurricane Helene survivors, with ongoing efforts focused on rebuilding communities after the extensive destruction. The dedication of volunteers across multiple states has not only facilitated material recovery, but also spiritual uplift in affected areas. As initiatives continue into 2025, the impact of these efforts highlights the resilience of the community and the importance of faith in disaster recovery.
Original Source: www.baptistpress.com
