Southern Baptists Continue Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts Six Months Later
Six months after Hurricane Helene, Southern Baptists are focusing on rebuilding efforts for communities affected by the hurricane, which resulted in over 230 deaths and $200 billion in damages. Key initiatives include providing meals, recovery jobs, and spiritual engagement. Ongoing support from state governments and churches fuels these efforts, indicating a strong commitment to assisting survivors.
Six months after Hurricane Helene struck on September 26, Southern Baptists have actively participated in relief efforts to assist affected communities. The hurricane resulted in over 230 fatalities and inflicted approximately $200 billion in damages across six states, marking it as the most costly storm in U.S. history. With rebuilding now a priority, organizations are shifting their focus to help restore homes and lives.
Josh Benton, vice president for national ministry at Send Relief, emphasized the extensive territorial impact of Helene on the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) network. He noted, “Their ability to extend themselves that far signals the strength and capacity of the SBDR network. 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 initial weeks post-landfall, SBDR provided over 1 million meals, completed more than 7,800 recovery tasks, and recorded 244 professions of faith across nearly 40 response sites in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Now, the focus has transitioned from immediate recovery to long-term rebuilding efforts.
In Tennessee, First Lady Maria Lee joined Baptist volunteers in the Arise and Build initiative, which has successfully completed over 110 projects. The damage from Helene was universally significant, particularly in western North Carolina, where communities continue to feel the effects. Todd Unzicker, executive director for N.C. Baptists, noted the collective effort as a genuine manifestation of being ‘on mission together.’
SBDR’s early response concentrated on providing hot meals and thorough clean-up after the flooding. Presently, efforts have evolved into full-rebuild initiatives for affected homes. Richard Weeks, a mission strategist from the Eastern Baptist Association, has played a crucial role in these efforts since October 5, showcasing how local church communities have mobilized to aid their neighbors.
The rebuilding process began with the identification of homes that could be quickly repaired to allow families return before winter. Currently, approximately 1,400 disaster response teams and over 7,000 volunteers are collaborating to assist homeowners, with around 130 homes completed and 250 more in progress.
Weeks shared stories about churches significantly impacting their communities through the Helene recovery, stating that many individuals found renewed faith and hope as a result of the assistance provided. He recounted a specific instance: a woman initially reluctant due to previous hardships now attends church following positive interactions with volunteers.
Baptists on Mission secured $3 million from the North Carolina government to bolster rebuilding efforts, supported by Send Relief’s financial resources. The N.C. Baptists continue to welcome donations through ServeNC to sustain volunteer efforts through 2025. Unzicker concluded by affirming God’s providence in these ongoing rebuilding efforts, stating, “God has made His grace and providence evident and answered our prayers, and I trust that He will continue to do so as long-term rebuild work goes on.”
Southern Baptists have remained committed to disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, transitioning from immediate response to the critical phase of rebuilding communities. Through collaborative efforts in six states, they have provided substantial aid including meals, recovery jobs, and spiritual support. With ongoing initiatives and financial backing, they aim to restore hope to affected families and reinforce the church’s role in community recovery.
Original Source: www.baptistpress.com
