Hundreds of thousands of lives were upended when Hurricane Helene devastated portions of the Southeast U.S. The Somebody Cares America network responded immediately and has been on the ground providing hot meals, distributing essential supplies, and meeting practical as well as emotional and spiritual needs. In Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, our network has been serving those who suffered loss. At one site alone in the Asheville area, SCA and our partners have served over 23,000 hot meals and given away over 50 truckloads of supplies.
“All together, our network of churches, organizations, and businesses have mobilized and distributed over $4 million in supplies so far through our various sites, including thousands of pounds of meat, cleaning supplies, non-perishable food, generators, grills, sleeping bags, comfort bears, and much, much more. And through our 24/7 prayer line, we have ministered peace to hundreds of anxious callers who needed someone to lift them up in prayer,” said SCA Vice President Jodie Chiricosta.
Most important of all, our partners on the ground are providing hope in a time of great despair by offering a listening ear and meeting specific needs such as air for a flat tire, replacing a mailbox, using helicopters and ATVs to deliver generators to hard-to-reach places, and providing for specific medical needs. When our partner church in Valdosta heard of an elderly man with trees on his roof, they sent a team of 20 volunteers to carefully remove them. In the process, they learned he had just lost his wife three days earlier. In addition to removing the trees and tarping his roof, they surrounded him with love and prayers. At another location, we supplied a large-scale generator to help a family re-open their business so they could pay their bills. And the stories go on!
“People are experiencing the love of Jesus like this every day. Some of our sites are reporting salvations, healings, and even baptisms,” Jodie said.
As needs transition from relief to recovery and, eventually, rebuilding, your generous giving will empower local churches to serve their neighbors!
“Nobody knows and loves their communities like the local church,” said SCA Founder and President Doug Stringer. “They are committed for the long haul, and we are committed to standing with them.”
In addition to our work with Hurricane Helene, SCA continues to support recovery efforts for Hurricanes Milton, Beryl, and Ian; Southeast Texas floods; Maui wildfires; and the Navajo Nation.