Southern Baptists’ Ongoing Support and Rebuilding Initiatives Post-Hurricane Helene
Southern Baptists have been assisting communities affected by Hurricane Helene since its landfall on September 26, 2024. With over 230 fatalities and $200 billion in damages, the storm required a significant response from the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief network, which has offered meals and recovery jobs while initiating rebuilding projects. Volunteers are expected to continue aiding until at least 2025, fostering communal faith and support.
Six months after Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, 2024, the Southern Baptists have been actively engaged in aiding the recovery of affected communities. The hurricane claimed over 230 lives across six states and incurred approximately $200 billion in damages, rendering it the most expensive storm in U.S. history.
Josh Benton, Vice President for National Ministry at Send Relief, noted, “What set Helene apart was the widespread impact of the storm. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) had to cover hundreds of miles of territory in the response.” The organization’s capability to manage such extensive outreach highlights the strength of its network and the dedication of its volunteers.
In the aftermath, SBDR provided over one million meals, completed more than 7,800 recovery jobs, and reported 244 professions of faith through nearly 40 SBDR sites across the affected states, including Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Recently, the focus in Appalachia has transitioned from immediate recovery to rebuilding efforts. Maria Lee, the wife of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, participated with Tennessee Baptists in the Arise and Build initiative, which has successfully completed over 110 jobs.
Each of the states impacted by Helene suffered considerable damage, with western North Carolina, particularly Asheville, experiencing the most significant effects. Todd Unzicker, Executive Director-Treasurer of 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.’”
Initially, SBDR focused on immediate needs by providing hot meals and cleanup aid following the flooding. As of 2025, efforts have shifted towards aiding in the reconstruction of homes. Richard Weeks, an Associational Mission Strategist, has coordinated efforts for rebuilding since shortly after Helene’s landfall.
The rebuilding initiative commenced by prioritizing homes that could be swiftly repaired to allow families to return before winter. Subsequent phases will tackle more severely damaged residences, with an expectation of a third phase for complete reconstruction. Approximately 1,400 disaster response teams, consisting of over 7,000 volunteers, have assisted in this mission, with around 130 homes completed and about 250 in progress.
Weeks reported numerous accounts of congregations effectively reaching out to their communities, leading to professions of faith and baptisms. He highlighted stories of individuals rediscovering their faith through the assistance provided by local churches.
A notable example involved a family in Canton where the kindness of volunteers led a skeptical wife to resume attending church, contributing to 20 baptisms at Crestview Baptist Church within a few months. Additionally, some volunteers who initially lacked a faith relationship discovered Christ through their involvement with rebuilding efforts.
Baptists on Mission has been supported by a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government and additional resources from Send Relief to facilitate rebuilding efforts. Contributions are being accepted through ServeNC to sustain ongoing volunteer support for storm survivors in 2025.
Unzicker concluded, “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.”
In summary, Southern Baptists have demonstrated a formidable and compassionate response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Their ongoing efforts encompass immediate relief, meal provision, and rebuilding projects, all reflecting their commitment to serving affected communities. The dedication of volunteers and collective resources from various organizations exemplify the spirit of unity in overcoming adversity. As recovery continues, the hope is that these endeavors will foster renewed faith among those impacted.
Original Source: www.brnow.org
