Southern Baptists Continue Rebuilding Efforts Six Months Post-Hurricane Helene

Southern Baptists are assisting communities six months after Hurricane Helene’s destruction, which resulted in 248 fatalities and $78.7 billion in damages. The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief has provided over one million meals and assisted with numerous recovery jobs. Efforts now focus on rebuilding homes, with significant community involvement and positive spiritual impacts on those affected by the storm.

Six months subsequent to the landfall of Hurricane Helene on September 26, 2024, Southern Baptists have been dedicated to providing relief and assisting affected communities in rebuilding efforts. The hurricane resulted in significant destruction, claiming 248 lives and causing approximately $78.7 billion in damages, ranking it as the seventh-costliest storm in U.S. history.

Josh Benton, Vice President for National Ministry at Send Relief, noted the extensive impact of Hurricane Helene and praised the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) for their extensive reach. Over 1 million meals were prepared, 7,800 recovery jobs were completed, and 244 professions of faith were reported through nearly 40 SBDR sites across the affected states of Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

In Appalachia, the recovery phase has transitioned into the rebuilding process. Recently, Maria Lee, spouse of Tennessee’s Governor Bill Lee, joined Tennessee Baptists in their Arise and Build initiative, which has successfully completed over 110 rebuild jobs. Western North Carolina, particularly around Asheville, experienced severe devastation.

Todd Unzicker, Executive Director-Treasurer for N.C. Baptists, expressed gratitude towards local churches and volunteers for their collaborative efforts in relief work. The rebuilding phase aims to assist survivors in regaining their homes before winter, with approximately 1,400 disaster response teams consisting of over 7,000 volunteers participating in the rehabilitation process.

Richard Weeks, an associational mission strategist engaged in the relief efforts, emphasized the uniqueness of Hurricane Helene’s impact. Initial rebuilding has prioritized homes that could be quickly repaired, while further phases will address more extensive repairs and complete rebuilds. Unzicker mentioned that approximately 130 homes have been completed, with 250 others in progress.

Weeks shared stories of how assistance from SBDR and Baptists on Mission has rekindled faith for many individuals who previously distanced themselves from the church. The kindness of volunteers has inspired people to reconnect and attend local churches, leading to numerous conversions and baptisms.

Moreover, Baptists on Mission secured a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government for rebuilding efforts, complemented by support from Send Relief and N.C. Baptists to further facilitate volunteer resources. Moving forward, the commitment to assist storm survivors will continue throughout 2025, with hopes firmly grounded in faith and divine providence.

In conclusion, Southern Baptists are actively engaged in relief and rebuilding efforts six months after Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Their coordinated actions have not only addressed immediate needs but have also fostered renewed hope and faith among impacted communities. The ongoing collaboration among volunteers, churches, and local organizations underscores the resilience and compassion demonstrated in the face of adversity, exemplifying a commitment to serve and rebuild lives.

Original Source: www.sendrelief.org