Southern Baptists are actively assisting Hurricane Helene survivors by focusing on rebuilding communities six months post-storm. The response, which included serving over a million meals and extensive recovery work, highlights the strength of SBDR and the support from various organizations, including a significant state grant. Volunteer efforts continue to restore homes across six impacted states, fostering renewed faith and hope within communities, particularly in western North Carolina.
Southern Baptists have continued their relief efforts for Hurricane Helene survivors since its landfall on September 26, 2024. As six months have passed since the storm, which resulted in over 230 fatalities and approximately $200 billion in damages, the emphasis has shifted to rebuilding efforts in affected communities.
Josh Benton, vice president of Send Relief’s national ministry, noted the extensive reach of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR), stating, “What set Helene apart was the widespread impact of the storm… Southern Baptists cannot thank their state disaster relief leadership and volunteers enough for the way they sacrificed to meet needs and share the gospel in the aftermath of this crisis.”
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the SBDR provided over 1 million meals, accomplished more than 7,800 recovery tasks, and reported 244 conversions through nearly 40 SBDR sites covering Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Currently, efforts have shifted towards comprehensive rebuild initiatives across regions, particularly in western North Carolina, which incurred significant damage.
Maria Lee, wife of Tennessee governor Bill Lee, participated in the effort with Tennessee Baptists under the Arise and Build initiative, having successfully completed more than 110 projects. Todd Unzicker, the executive director-treasurer of N.C. Baptists, emphasized the collaborative nature of the response, saying, “When disaster struck our state last fall, we saw N.C. Baptists and Great Commission Baptists from around the country live out what it means to be ‘on mission together.’”
During the initial response, the SBDR prioritized immediate needs with hot meal distributions and cleanup operations. Now, in 2025, volunteers are committed to supporting homeowners as they rebuild. Richard Weeks, a mission strategist, indicated that recovery from this unprecedented storm has necessitated a meticulous two-phased approach with a third phase anticipated for complete rebuilds.
Approximately 1,400 disaster response teams comprising over 7,000 volunteers have mobilized to restore homes. Unzicker reported that thus far, around 130 homes have been completed with an additional 250 rebuilds in progress, leading to inspiring community stories and renewed faith among those served.
Many individuals have regained trust in the church through the support they received after Helene. Weeks recounted several instances where families reconnected with their faith through the assistance of volunteers. One specific instance involved a family in Canton whose wife, initially indifferent to church, began attending Crestview Baptist Church following the kindness shown to them.
Additionally, Baptists on Mission secured a $3 million state grant for rebuilding, supported by resources from Send Relief, while N.C. Baptists are collecting donations to further aid these efforts in 2025. Unzicker remarked, “God has made His grace and providence evident and answered our prayers,” emphasizing the ongoing commitment to the rebuilding process.
The response to Hurricane Helene exemplifies the dedication of Southern Baptists in disaster relief and community rebuilding. With extensive volunteer efforts and financial support, they are restoring homes and rekindling faith among affected individuals. Their coordinated efforts reflect the strength of their community and commitment to assist those in need particularly through challenging circumstances.
Original Source: www.brnow.org
