Southern Baptists Lead Recovery and Rebuilding Efforts Post-Hurricane Helene

Southern Baptists continue to assist communities affected by Hurricane Helene six months post-landfall, transitioning from immediate relief to rebuilding efforts. With significant damages and a strong community response, recovery initiatives include meal preparations, repairs, and spiritual outreach, fostering faith among survivors. Financial support has been secured to extend volunteer services through 2025.

Six months after Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, 2024, in Florida, Southern Baptists have been actively assisting the affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts. The storm resulted in the loss of 248 lives and caused approximately $78.7 billion in damages across six states, becoming the seventh-costliest hurricane in U.S. history. As efforts transition from immediate relief to long-term rebuilding, the focus now lies in helping neighbors restore their homes and lives.

In the aftermath of the storm, the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) quickly mobilized by preparing over one million meals and executing more than 7,800 recovery jobs. Remarkably, these efforts yielded 244 professions of faith at nearly 40 SBDR sites across states including Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Josh Benton, vice president of Send Relief, highlighted the extensive reach and impact of the SBDR network, noting the collective sacrifices made by volunteers to address both physical needs and spiritual outreach.

In Appalachia, rebuilding has commenced with initiatives such as the Arise and Build program, spearheaded by Tennessee Baptists, achieving over 110 completed projects. Western North Carolina, particularly the Asheville area, has faced severe damage due to Helene. Todd Unzicker, Executive Director-Treasurer for N.C. Baptists, commended the collaborative response from local churches as genuine expressions of mission work, stressing the importance of community involvement in crisis recovery.

Initially, SBDR focused on immediate humanitarian assistance, providing meals and cleanup services. As of 2025, volunteers have shifted toward sustainable rebuilding efforts for hurricane survivors. Richard Weeks, an associational mission strategist, has been overseeing these initiatives since early October. He emphasized the unique challenges posed by the storm’s extensive damage and the geographical terrain that complicates recovery processes.

The rebuild process was strategically divided into phases, starting with quick repairs to facilitate families’ return home before winter. Currently, about 1,400 disaster response teams, comprising over 7,000 volunteers, are actively engaged in assisting Baptists on Mission, with approximately 130 homes completed and 250 rebuilds in progress. Unzicker mentioned that many have turned to faith through the rebuilding efforts, with stories of transformations occurring among affected families.

The rebuilding efforts have also fostered a reconnection to local churches for those previously estranged from faith. Weeks recounted experiences of families rediscovering hope due to the community’s support and faith-based initiatives. For instance, a woman previously hardened by trauma found faith again after witnessing the compassion of volunteers.

Baptists on Mission received a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government to facilitate these rebuilding efforts, alongside financial contributions from Send Relief. Donations are still being accepted through ServeNC to sustain volunteer work for storm survivors throughout 2025. Unzicker affirmed the visible acts of grace amidst the hardships, expressing hope for continued support in their long-term recovery efforts.

In summary, Southern Baptists are playing a crucial role in recovery from Hurricane Helene, providing both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding support. Their efforts have not only addressed physical necessities but have also fostered spiritual renewal in the communities affected. With a large network of volunteers and financial backing, the ongoing commitment to rebuilding homes and restoring faith underscores the resilience and strength of the community during this challenging recovery phase.

Original Source: www.sendrelief.org