Church of the Brethren congregations and members are among those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, especially in Southeastern District denominational staff have learned in conversation with district executives. The General Secretary’s office, Brethren Disaster Ministries, and the Ministry office have connected with leaders in the church districts covering the states where the storm was most destructive–Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Media reports today include news of mounting fatalities and many people still missing. The overall death toll from the storm is now 104 across 6 states, reported the Washington Post this afternoon: “In North Carolina, there have been at least 35 deaths. South Carolina, 29 deaths; Georgia, 25; Florida, 11; Tennessee, two; and Virginia, two.” The Associated Press said this morning that “one county that includes the mountain city of Asheville reported 30 people killed due to the storm…. Officials warned that rebuilding from the widespread loss of homes and property would be lengthy and difficult.”
Reporting from Church of the Brethren districts
Reporting from Southeastern District–where Andrew Hamilton serves as district executive minister and which has churches in the states of North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Alabama–indicates there are congregations and church members that have suffered damage to their homes and buildings. Hamilton, who lives in the area around Asheville, N.C., characterized the destruction in his district as “catastrophic.”
The situation of Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren in Damascus, Va., is of concern, being in a badly affected area close to the border of the northeast corner of Tennessee. As of today, reports indicate that one or more families in the congregation have lost their homes, others having sustained serious damage to their homes, and some having been put in peril personally by the flooding. With communications made difficult by power outages and downed cell towers, Brethren Disaster Ministries staff are awaiting further word about the situation.
From Atlantic Southeast District, as of now, no serious damage has been reported by the Church of the Brethren congregations in Florida. Beth Sollenberger reported as administration district executive, “I think we’ve heard from everyone and there seem to be good reports everywhere. I assume there’s still clean-up to do but nothing serious or devastating from any of the congregations.”
Virlina District, where Dan Rudy is district executive minister, and which includes affected areas of Virginia, also has reported that churches are fine or had minor damage. “Many of the communities in which our congregations minister were not as fortunate,” said an email from the district office. “Please be in prayer for those who have sustained damage to homes, injuries or are awaiting word from loved ones whom they have not been able to reach.” Virlina will be taking a special offering for Hurricane Helene relief.
Brethren Disaster Ministries is communicating with districts
Brethren Disaster Ministries is communicating with the affected districts, sharing information, and monitoring the situation, while developing an appropriate response to multiple areas of the southern US impacted by the storm. Staff are in close communication with the district executive ministers of Southeastern District and Virlina District as the areas where some of the worst damage from rain and flooding has occurred. Staff also are participating in storm-related communications with national and state Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs).
“Although we are not aware of any deaths among Brethren communities, there are reports of minor and major damage to members’ homes and some churches,” said a report from Brethren Disaster Ministries staff today. Staff are preparing to support those communities in partnership with district leadership as soon as humanitarian needs can be identified and logistics in the area permit volunteer travel.
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS), as the first response arm of Brethren Disaster Ministries, is preparing to deploy volunteer teams as soon as they are notified by local emergency management and/or the Red Cross that they will be able to get into the affected areas. Currently, roads into the worst hit area in western North Carolina are closed due to flooding and damage.
Donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund Hurricane Response will not only enable a quick response by Brethren Disaster Ministries and CDS, but will also help to support the long-term recovery efforts that likely will take years. Give at www.brethren.org/givehurricaneresponse.
Find out more about the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries at www.brethren.org/bdm.
Find out more about the work of Children’s Disaster Services at www.brethren.org/cds.
Find out more about the Emergency Disaster Fund at www.brethren.org/bdm/edf.
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Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- Brethren Disaster Ministries works to help coordinate response with districts
- Church World Service distributes thousands of disaster kits, offers support to survivors in wake of hurricanes
- Children’s Disaster Services places two teams of volunteers in North Carolina
- Districts respond with aid to hurricane survivors, collections of relief goods and monetary donations
- Brethren bits