We are used to hearing about storms that are destructive of coastal areas of Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and Texas. We are not used to hearing of damage that took place hundred and even thousands of miles inland across such a vast region. The scope of the damage left state and federal politicians reaching for superlatives on Monday. Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia said that the storm was “unprecedented.” Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina described the destruction as “beyond belief” and President Biden said the hurricane was “history-making.”
You likely seen the pictures and videos of roads that were destroyed, buildings collapsed, cars and trucks strewn about like Matchbox toys. More than 130 people across six states died as a result of the storm and the toll is expected to rise. Almost a third of those killed were in the county surrounding Asheville, N.C. Rescuers fanned out across the North Carolina mountains today, scouring the region for missing people and rushing supplies to many communities still in dire need of food, water and power after Hurricane Helene.
Throughout southern Appalachia, many of the roads that had until recently served as lifelines for small mountainside towns were flooded, destroyed or blocked by debris. In some areas of the Carolinas, power was scarce after flooding from the storm submerged electrical substations.
In response to this disaster, UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is coordinating with affected annual conferences and supporting their local relief efforts. UMCOR has awarded solidarity grants to the North and South Georgia annual conferences with multiple grants in process for other annual conferences. Additionally, UMCOR-trained Early Response Teams (ERTs) are coordinating efforts to support the removal of debris, tarping of roofs, and cleaning out of homes in hard-hit areas. As with all UMCOR gifts, 100% of the contribution goes to help the need.
You can make a gift to support these efforts by giving to Calvary UMC and marking your contribution for “UMCOR” or “Hurricane Helene.” The mission and outreach team will be using church mission funds for relief efforts as well. You can also use this link. Click here.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Steve