Southern Baptists Aid Rebuilding Efforts Six Months Post-Hurricane Helene

Six months post-Hurricane Helene, Southern Baptists are focused on rebuilding efforts in affected communities across six states. The storm resulted in profound loss, yet the SBDR has delivered over 1 million meals and engaged thousands of volunteers to assist in recovery. The initiative emphasizes collaborating with local churches and rebuilding homes, reflecting a renewed faith among many survivors.

The Southern Baptist community remains steadfast in their efforts to support Hurricane Helene survivors, which landed on September 26, 2022. As the six-month milestone nears, the focus is now on aiding local communities in their rebuilding efforts after the storm led to over 230 fatalities and approximately $200 billion in damages, marking it as the most financially devastating storm in U.S. history.

Significantly impacted areas include six states, with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) having prepared over 1 million meals, completed more than 7,800 recovery jobs, and facilitated 244 professions of faith at nearly 40 SBDR sites across Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Josh Benton, vice president of Send Relief, emphasized the extensive reach of the Southern Baptists in their service.

Particularly hard-hit was western North Carolina, especially around Asheville, where the rebuilding process is now in full swing. With initiatives like the Arise and Build program, spearheaded by Maria Lee, wife of Tennessee’s governor, over 110 homes have already been repaired. Todd Unzicker, executive director of N.C. Baptists, highlighted how collaboration reinforced community support in times of crisis.

Beginning with immediate needs, SBDR provided hot meals and cleanup, while volunteers are now focusing on rebuilding homes. Richard Weeks, a mission strategist, has directed efforts across more than 300 miles to lead rebuilding campaigns, which initially concentrated on quicker repairs for families to return before winter. The program anticipates reaching a third phase, which involves comprehensive reconstruction.

To date, around 1,400 disaster response teams comprising over 7,000 volunteers have supported these efforts, completing approximately 130 home rebuilds, with 250 others currently in progress. Many individuals report a renewed confidence in the local church, and some have even returned to church after feeling disillusioned.

In one poignant instance, a woman whose husband has dementia gradually opened her heart to faith after witnessing the volunteers’ kindness, leading her to attend Crestview Baptist Church, where many baptisms have recently occurred. Baptists on Mission also secured a $3 million state grant to facilitate ongoing recovery efforts and empower volunteers through additional donations.

Unzicker remarked on the providence and grace experienced throughout this endeavor, instilling hope for continued support in long-term rebuilding processes as disaster recovery efforts persist into 2025.

In conclusion, the Southern Baptist community’s unwavering commitment to aiding Hurricane Helene survivors embodies their mission of compassion and service. Through substantial volunteer efforts, generous funding, and spiritual support, they continue to rebuild lives and restore hope in the affected communities. The recovery journey illustrates the power of faith communities in the wake of disaster, emphasizing unity, resilience, and the impact of collective action.

Original Source: www.baptistpress.com