Southern Baptists have been involved in relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, which struck on September 26, 2024, causing over 230 deaths and $200 billion in damages. Six months post-storm, the focus has shifted towards rebuilding efforts, with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief assisting communities by providing meals, completing recovery jobs, and fostering faith among survivors. Significant support from volunteers and financial resources is aiding the ongoing rebuild.
Six months post-Hurricane Helene’s landfall on September 26, 2024, Southern Baptists are actively involved in the rebuilding efforts for affected communities. The storm resulted in over 230 fatalities and caused approximately $200 billion in damages, marking it as the most costly hurricane in U.S. history. Initiatives led by Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) are now focused on assisting neighbors in recovering their lives and homes.
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief has been instrumental in the aftermath, preparing over one million meals, completing upwards of 7,800 recovery jobs, and witnessing 244 professions of faith across nearly 40 SBDR sites in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The most significant destruction occurred in western North Carolina, particularly around Asheville.
As the recovery phase transitions to rebuilding, initiatives like the Arise and Build program led by Tennessee Baptists, which completed over 110 jobs, indicate a concerted effort towards restoring the community. Todd Unzicker, executive director-treasurer of N.C. Baptists, expressed gratitude for the collective response of local churches that united to provide assistance during this crisis.
The SBDR’s initial focus was on delivering immediate needs, such as hot meals and cleanup efforts. In 2025, volunteers have redirected their efforts towards helping survivors rebuild their homes. Richard Weeks, a mission strategist engaged in the Helene response, noted that the rebuilding efforts would commence with homes that required quick repairs and could eventually progress to complete rebuilds from the ground up.
With approximately 1,400 disaster response teams and over 7,000 volunteers participating, around 130 homes have been completed, and an additional 250 rebuilds are currently in process. Stories of community outreach and faith restoration through SBDR’s efforts reveal a profound impact on individuals and local churches.
Weeks recounted experiences with families who, despite previous disillusionment with the church, found renewed hope through the assistance provided. Notably, a family in Canton saw their perspective change, with the wife attending Crestview Baptist Church following their rebuilding experience and the church celebrating 20 baptisms between December and February.
A grant of $3 million from the North Carolina government has bolstered the rebuilding efforts, with additional financial support from Send Relief. N.C. Baptists are accepting donations through ServeNC to sustain long-term assistance to storm survivors. Unzicker affirmed that the grace and providence of God continue to be evident throughout this rebuilding process, and the commitment to support survivors remains steadfast.
In conclusion, the response to Hurricane Helene by Southern Baptists highlights a remarkable commitment to disaster relief and community rebuilding. The collaborative efforts of volunteers and financial backing showcase the strength of faith-driven initiatives in times of crisis. The transition from recovery to rebuilding signifies hope and restoration for affected individuals and families in the impacted regions.
Original Source: www.brnow.org
