The marking of the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene brings life-shaping memories and emotions for all who were involved in its path. It wreaked havoc from Florida to North Carolina, but what happened to our beautiful North Carolina mountains was unprecedented. Wanda Kidd, CBFNC’s Helene Disaster Response director, shares a reflection below marking the one-year anniversary of the storm.
The destruction affected 10 counties, encompassing every type of natural disaster that could occur. There was rain, wind, flooding, landslides/mudslides and loss of life. There was so much destruction that it was hard to know where to start. But from the moment we had the ability to communicate, our CBFNC family was busy trying to figure out how to lend a hand.
Our Executive Coordinator, Larry Hovis, was immediately on the phone with DaveHawes, CBFNC’s Disaster Response coordinator, organizing efforts to retrieve disaster relief buckets already stored downstate and distribute them to the area. Then he called David Stone, the CBFNC campus minister for western NC, who has excellent organizational skills. David and his fellow Campus Ministry Specialist, Jaquan Davis, worked tirelessly to make deliveries, organize connections for shower trailers and attend to the myriad other things that our CBFNC family immediately began to bring to help us simply survive in those early days.
The early days after the storm are both a blur and an indelible memory. Stories of loss and survival were shared everywhere people gathered. Several books and documentaries depict this story more dramatically than I can. However, I believe the story of the churches’ role in the recovery has been significantly underreported.
Our experience defies the idea that the Church is dead or unnecessary. The western North Carolina CBFNC churches have received evidence that people of faith are still alive and ready to help in times of need. Statewide, our churches provided tens of thousands of dollars in gift cards to help families in need during the Christmas season. You brought teams to help muck out houses and assist people in rebuilding. Mars Hill Baptist Church alone has welcomed over 35 teams since last October.
As CBFNC’s Disaster Response Director for Helene, there is rarely a day, even now, when I do not get a call or an email asking what their church can do to help. Some of the greatest givers are from small churches with huge hearts.
This summer, we developed a plan to help feed people in their community. When I presented the Western North Carolina churches with the idea, without hesitation, they all said, “Yes, they would be the outreach for the program”. The CBFNC and CBF family came alongside us and provided the resources to help feed over 500 people in July.
I am so appreciative of the CBFNC churches of western North Carolina. These churches have endured what we hope is a once-in-a-lifetime disaster. Their members were personally impacted, their community was in disarray, and their very buildings experienced damage. Yet, in the midst of it all, they continued to do ministry.
Thank you, CBFNC. You defy the negative rhetoric of the Church by being the hands, feet and heart of Christ.
CBFNC’s Western NC Hurricane Helene Disaster Response by the Numbers
(This list does not include the numerous ways individual churches responded, helping with direct needs and sending teams of volunteers to help with clean up and rebuilding.)
- $179,500 awarded as Disaster Relief grants to churches in the region
- $23,000 in gift cards delivered to 16 churches at Christmas to distribute within their communities
- 1,300+ Disaster Relief Bucket Kits provided
- 1,089 storage totes delivered
- 3 shower trailers deployed to local churches
- 17 grants to churches in the region
- 100 meal boxes provided during the summer months to feed 500 people
- 300 backpacks with snacks & other supplies delivered to children during the summer
Want to help with rebuilding in WNC?
Contact Rev. Dr. Wanda Kidd
Helene disaster response director
DR@cbfnc.org
828-507-5723
WNC Disaster Response
Watch the video below to learn more about CBFNC’s response in the initial months following Hurricane Helene.
