Southern Baptists Aid in Rebuilding Efforts Six Months Post-Hurricane Helene

Southern Baptists are actively engaged in rebuilding efforts six months after Hurricane Helene devastated six states, leading to over 230 deaths and $200 billion in damages. Initial relief focused on immediate aid, while current efforts involve long-term reconstruction projects across various states. The initiative has fostered spiritual renewal among volunteers and recipients, demonstrating the profound impact of community service.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on September 26, 2024, Southern Baptists have significantly engaged in relief efforts for impacted communities. As the six-month milestone approaches, the focus has shifted towards reconstruction efforts for those affected by this historic storm, which resulted in over 230 fatalities and approximately $200 billion in damages across six states, marking it as the costliest storm in U.S. history.

Josh Benton, Vice President for National Ministry at Send Relief, remarked on the extensive impact of Helene, indicating that the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) network successfully managed the broad geographical reach of their response. Benton acknowledged the remarkable efforts of state disaster relief leadership and volunteers who made sacrifices to meet the needs of those affected while sharing the gospel.

Post-landfall, SBDR effectively provided over 1 million meals and completed more than 7,800 recovery projects, reporting 244 professions of faith at nearly 40 recovery sites located across Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Currently, efforts in Appalachia are transitioning from immediate recovery to structural rebuilding initiatives.

Recently, Maria Lee, spouse of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, collaborated with Tennessee Baptists on their Arise and Build initiative, which has successfully completed over 110 rebuilding projects. The states impacted by Helene sustained considerable damage, with western North Carolina, particularly Asheville, experiencing the most devastating consequences.

Todd Unzicker, Executive Director-Treasurer of North Carolina Baptists, emphasized the collaborative spirit displayed in the wake of the disaster, a true demonstration of being “on mission together.” He underscored that local churches expedited their responses, embodying the proactive effort to aid those in need.

Initially, SBDR’s focus was on immediate necessities such as hot meals and cleanup, but in 2025, efforts have transitioned to long-term recovery and rebuilding. Richard Weeks, an Associational Mission Strategist for the Eastern Baptist Association in North Carolina, has played a vital role in guiding rebuilding efforts, having been involved since October 5, 2024.

Weeks noted the uniqueness of this storm due to its extensive damage and complicated terrain. The rebuilding initiative was strategically phased, starting with identifying and repairing homes quickly before the winter season. A subsequent phase aims at more extensive repairs, ultimately progressing to a comprehensive rebuilding phase.

Approximately 1,400 disaster response teams with over 7,000 volunteers participated in the rebuilding efforts, completing around 130 homes, while an additional 250 projects are in progress. Unzicker highlighted the testimonies of faith that arose during this recovery period, as many found renewal and hope through the assistance of local churches.

Weeks shared stories of individuals rekindling their faith and connection with the church as a result of the assistance they received. He recounted an instance involving a family in Canton, where the kindness of volunteers led to significant changes in their spiritual journey, including the wife beginning to attend church after initially harboring doubts.

Additionally, some volunteers encountered spiritual transformation during their service, with one even getting baptized in a pickup truck. The Baptists on Mission have been awarded a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government to further support rebuilding efforts. Further contributions are being accepted through the ServeNC initiative to assist volunteers throughout 2025.

Unzicker encapsulated the collective experience by acknowledging the evidence of divine grace and providence in the ongoing relief efforts, expressing trust in continued support as the long-term rebuilding endeavors progress.

In summarizing the response to Hurricane Helene, Southern Baptists have showcased remarkable resilience and commitment to aiding affected communities. Their multifaceted approach not only addresses immediate needs but also emphasizes long-term rebuilding and spiritual restoration. The collaboration across state lines highlights the strength of community and faith in action, as lives continue to be transformed through acts of service and support.

Original Source: www.brnow.org