Southern Baptists Aid Rebuilding Efforts Six Months After Hurricane Helene

Six months post-Hurricane Helene, Southern Baptists have shifted focus from immediate relief efforts to rebuilding communities affected by the storm. The disaster caused extensive damage across multiple states, with significant response from Southern Baptist Disaster Relief efforts. Through community collaboration and volunteer support, numerous homes are being rebuilt, while fostering hope and faith among survivors.

Southern Baptists have been actively providing relief to Hurricane Helene survivors since the storm’s landfall on September 26, 2024. Now, as the six-month anniversary approaches, efforts have shifted toward assisting communities in rebuilding after the disaster, which resulted in the loss of 248 lives and approximately $78.7 billion in damages across six states, ranking as the seventh-costliest storm in U.S. history.

Josh Benton, the vice president for national ministry at Send Relief, emphasized the extensive reach of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR), stating, “What set Helene apart was the widespread impact of the storm. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief had to cover hundreds of miles of territory in the response.” In the months following the storm, SBDR completed over one million meals and over 7,800 recovery jobs, leading to 244 professions of faith across nearly 40 sites in affected states.

The rebuild efforts in Appalachia have gained momentum, with significant involvement from local leaders. Maria Lee, spouse of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, participated in support initiatives with Tennessee Baptists, assisting in over 110 completed reconstruction jobs. Notably, western North Carolina, particularly around Asheville, suffered extensive damage from the hurricane.

Todd Unzicker, Executive Director-Treasurer for N.C. Baptists, remarked, “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.’” This collaboration has exemplified the collective effort to meet immediate needs and foster long-term recovery.

SBDR’s immediate actions involved providing hot meals and cleanup aid; as of 2025, volunteers are concentrating on rebuilding homes. Richard Weeks, an associational mission strategist, reported engagement in the recovery efforts since October 5, 2024, aiding local churches and leading reconstruction projects.

The rebuilding process began with focusing on homes that could be swiftly repaired, followed by addressing more extensive damage. Approximately 1,400 disaster response teams, comprising over 7,000 volunteers, have contributed to the efforts, resulting in around 130 completed homes and another 250 rebuilds in progress.

Weeks has shared poignant stories reflecting the positive impact of the church’s assistance. Many individuals rediscovered hope and faith through the efforts of volunteers who provided essential support amidst their devastating loss. For example, one family in Canton experienced a transformative change in their outlook, with the wife of a man with dementia attending Crestview Baptist Church after witnessing the kindness of the volunteers.

Baptists on Mission have been bolstered by a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government, complemented by funding from Send Relief. N.C. Baptists continue to seek donations through ServeNC to support ongoing volunteer efforts for storm survivors in 2025. Unzicker further noted, “God has made His grace and providence evident and answered our prayers,” illustrating the resilience and faith of the community during the rebuilding process.

The Southern Baptists’ continued commitment to aiding Hurricane Helene survivors highlights their resilience and dedication to community rebuilding. Through substantial volunteer efforts and funding, they have managed not only to restore homes but also to rekindle hope among those affected by the storm. As the rebuilding progresses, the partnership of local churches and community leaders has proven essential in providing both physical assistance and spiritual renewal for many in the impacted areas.

Original Source: www.sendrelief.org