Southern Baptists Continue Rebuilding Efforts for Hurricane Helene Survivors
Southern Baptists have provided ongoing relief to Hurricane Helene survivors since its landfall on September 26, focusing on rebuilding efforts for affected communities. The storm, resulting in over 230 casualties and $200 billion in damages, necessitated extensive disaster response. Currently, over 1,400 teams of volunteers are actively engaged in the rebuilding process, aiming to restore homes and rekindle community ties, supported by significant grants and donations.
Southern Baptists have been actively providing relief to Hurricane Helene survivors since the storm struck on September 26. As the six-month anniversary nears, attention has transitioned from immediate relief to long-term rebuilding efforts in the affected communities. The hurricane resulted in over 230 fatalities and incurred approximately $200 billion in damages, marking it as the costliest storm in U.S. history.
According to Josh Benton, Vice President of National Ministry for Send Relief, the vast geographical impact of the storm necessitated extensive disaster response efforts. He emphasized the commendable actions of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) volunteers: “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 aftermath, SBDR has been instrumental in providing over 1 million meals, completing more than 7,800 recovery jobs, and reporting 244 professions of faith across nearly 40 sites in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. Now, the focus is on rebuilding efforts, particularly in western North Carolina, severely impacted by the hurricane.
Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee recently joined local Baptists to support the Arise and Build initiative, which has resulted in over 110 completed rebuilds. Serious damage was felt across all six affected states, with significant emphasis placed on the collective mission of N.C. Baptists and their support from across the nation.
Initially, SBDR concentrated on addressing urgent needs, providing meals and cleanup efforts. As of 2025, volunteers are assisting survivors in rebuilding their homes. Richard Weeks, a mission strategist from the Eastern Baptist Association, has played a significant role in these recovery efforts since early October 2022. He described the unique challenges presented by Hurricane Helene, given its intense force and varied terrain.
The rebuilding initiative begins with rapidly addressable repairs to allow families to return home before winter. Ongoing phases seek to handle more extensive damage, aiming ultimately to rebuild homes entirely. There are approximately 1,400 disaster response teams comprising over 7,000 volunteers currently aiding those affected.
In total, around 130 rebuilds have been finished, with another 250 in progress. Unzicker remarked, “I’ve heard incredible stories about churches reaching their neighbors and seeing them come to faith and get baptized – through the impact of [Hurricane Helene’s] response.”
Numerous individuals have expressed profound gratitude toward the church’s assistance, with many re-establishing their connection with local congregations after experiencing immense loss. Weeks shared narratives of families rekindling their faith and hope through the outreach of the church during the rebuilding process.
Furthermore, Baptists on Mission has received a significant $3 million grant from the North Carolina government dedicated to these rebuilding efforts. Additional financial support has come from Send Relief, with N.C. Baptists actively inviting donations to continue aiding storm survivors throughout 2025. Unzicker encapsulated the sentiment, stating, “God has made His grace and providence evident and answered our prayers.”
The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief efforts following Hurricane Helene highlight the resilience and commitment of communities to assist those in crisis. The transition from immediate relief to rebuild initiatives emphasizes the sustained dedication of volunteers and churches, facilitating recovery in heavily impacted areas. Continued financial support and engagement in local efforts are crucial as these communities navigate their path to recovery and renewal, embodying a spirit of hope and faith throughout the rebuilding process.
Original Source: www.baptistpress.com
