Hurricane Helene - The Damage Isn't Done.

The Support Can't Stop. Your Help is Needed – Now and for Years to Come

Passion City Church volunteers serving with Convoy of Hope in Swonnonoa, North Carolina.

I rarely share reflections on personal matters here, but this experience has left a profound impact, and I believe it’s a critical reminder for all of us.

Hurricane Helene struck in late September 2024, delivering catastrophic damage across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. With winds reaching over 130 mph and massive storm surges, it has become one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history, with total damage estimated at around $200 billion. North Carolina, particularly the Asheville and Swannanoa areas, was hit hardest by unprecedented flooding, where entire neighborhoods were destroyed, and the floodwaters rose to levels no one anticipated. Tragically, Helene claimed over 230 lives, making it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Hurricane Maria in 2017.

One month later, the devastation remains staggering. Many buildings and neighborhoods are still in dire need of disaster relief, from demolition to gutting, and extensive cleaning just to prepare for rebuilding. For many, even these initial recovery stages are a long way off, with challenges compounded by the region’s lack of preparedness for storms of this magnitude and lack of available resources near and far. This reality underscores that while the storm has passed, the road to full recovery is just beginning.

Last week, I had the opportunity to serve and provide disaster relief with Convoy of Hope, through Passion City Church, and other organizations in Swannanoa, North Carolina—a community completely devastated by Hurricane Helene. While I was there, I worked shoulder to shoulder with volunteers from across the country, each bringing their own skills and support to a place where the need was unimaginable. It was a powerful reminder of the resilience and compassion that can bring people together in the wake of devastation.

Initially, we thought our role would involve demolishing and clearing materials from homes. But upon arrival, we learned of an even more urgent need. A small, old church with an elderly congregation needed its' entire building gutted. Though the structure was considered salvageable, over five feet of floodwater had infiltrated the church. The walls, bathrooms, floors, and some ceiling areas all had to be removed. Inside, inches of mud covered the floor, and mold had already begun spreading through the walls and interior spaces. Had we waited a week longer, the mold would have made it nearly impossible to work safely without full hazmat suits. Thankfully, we had N95 masks to protect us, but it underscored a stark reality: countless individuals working to clear their buildings lack even basic protective gear. Can you picture this grim scene, complete damage everywhere you look, yet THIS building was still considered salvageable? Can you imagine all of the buildings that aren't and what they look like?

Amidst the mess, we were continually moved by the people we met. The church’s pastor, who’s well into his eighties, came by daily to thank our team. One of the elderly members, who currently lives in assisted care nearby, asked to visit the site to see the progress. She was overwhelmed with emotion, repeating how grateful she was for the work we were doing. For communities like Swannanoa, rebuilding is going to take years. Homes, businesses, schools—entire lives—were lost in a single storm, and recovery will require long-term commitment and resources.

Anyone who has experienced a natural disaster understands how long and difficult recovery can be. While communities in hurricane-prone regions take certain precautions, many mountain towns like Swannanoa don’t have the same infrastructure to prepare for hurricanes and severe flooding. These floods struck suddenly, inundating rivers and creeks that usually flow gently, leading to destruction beyond what anyone had anticipated.

In Swannanoa, Asheville, Augusta, and beyond, numerous organizations are stepping in to be the “hands and feet” on the ground, providing disaster relief in so many different ways and actively serving those who’ve lost so much. Groups like Convoy of Hope, Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, and the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team are working tirelessly to bring essential supplies, support, and hope to the community.

Many of you may already support one of these organizations or a similar one, making a difference here and in disaster-stricken areas around the world. If not, I encourage you to look into one whose mission resonates with you and consider supporting their work. Every contribution counts and helps pave the way for long-term recovery.

So, I’m reaching out with a heartfelt request: please consider offering your support, whether it’s time, resources, or donations. The communities impacted by Hurricane Helene will need it, not just in the coming days but for years as they rebuild. Let's remind them that we’re all in this together, for the long haul. They will rebuild because of their strength, resilience, and the power of human kindness like so many communities that have been devastated before them.

Thank you for any way you can help.