ASHEVILLE, N.C. (BRN) — There is nothing as wonderful as a comfortable, cozy and warm space during a snowstorm. Unfortunately, there are many people in the Carolinas who are still struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene–during the coldest winter they’ve experienced in a long time.
“We don’t want to forget about them and the perilous conditions they face as they seek to rebuild after massive flooding destroyed their homes,” reminded Barry Whitworth, executive director for the Baptist Resource Network, pointing hurricane’s devastating impact on Western North Carolina.
He shared that BRN’s Disaster Relief (DR) Director Kenton Hunt continues to organize teams to go on deployments to help with mud-out, chainsaw work, and community clean-up. Those who are interested can reach out to him at kentonh@brnunited.org to learn more about the deployment requirements, including background checks and training.
He also shared about Baptists on Mission, BRN’s partners at the Baptist Convention of North Carolina, who have set up channels for assistance, including what they call Essential Rapid Repairs (ERR) teams to help put people back into their homes. Volunteer teams replace flooring, electrical, plumbing, and drywall in a home that Disaster Relief has mudded out and sanitized. They also provide a workable kitchen and bathroom for the family in a week to 10 days.
Baptists on Mission missionaries Dewey and Kathie Aiken said that over 250 homes are being rebuilt now through this program, to date. Over 50 of the homes, which costs $15,000- $20,000 to rebuild, are already completed.
Perry Brindley, associational missions strategist for the Buncombe Baptist Association, which services the greater Asheville area, said Baptists on Mission has seven rebuild centers where volunteers can stay and receive lodging, showers and three meals. Three of the centers, a former school in Spruce Pine, a former nursing home in Burnsville, and another former nursing home in Asheville, are being set up to accommodate ongoing mission teams. Once completed in March, these three centers can accommodate over 40 mission teams at a time, Brindley said.
Altogether, Baptists on Mission plans to rebuild around 700 homes through ERR teams, said Kathie Aiken, but it is estimated that around 70,000 homes were damaged or destroyed by this hurricane. Rebuild will take 7 years or more.
“As you can see, there is still a lot of opportunity for volunteers from Pennsylvania/South Jersey to serve over the next few years to help people finish their homes,” Whitworth said.
Can’t go? No worries. The BRN seeks to continue financially helping affected individuals and families through Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart gift cards. That way, families can purchase exactly what they need as they rebuild their homes and lives.
Brindley said his association uses these cards to buy materials, appliances, or other needs not covered in the rebuild cost. If you are interested in giving, please visit online at www.brnunited.org/helene. One hundred percent of your designated gift will be used in Helene disaster relief and rebuilding efforts.
Whitworth urged BRN churches to keep praying for the thousands of North Carolina residents who are facing one of the largest crises in their lives.
“We all know winter can be brutal in the mountains. Let’s band together to show the love of Christ in our prayers and actions,” he said.
Churches interested in sending teams to North Carolina can sign up at baptistsonmission.org. To learn more about work in Buncombe County, N.C., contact Perry Brindley at pbrindley@buncombebaptist.org.
