Your Faithful Support Brought Them Comfort
At the end of September, Hurricane Helene slammed into the Gulf Coast as a Category 4 hurricane, leaving a 500-mile trail of destruction through Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. High winds pushed trees into homes, and massive rains sent floodwaters through mountain valleys, wiping out entire communities and claiming at least 230 lives. Even before residents could begin recovery, Hurricane Milton struck Florida, leaving even more damage in its wake.
But thanks to you, survivors were not alone. You sent food, clean water, and critical aid when they needed it most and gave them hope to start the long journey to recovery. And your love and compassion have stayed right beside them during the toughest times.
Your faithful support brought comfort and hope to so many who were suffering. Thank you!
In The Immediate Aftermath You Met Vital Needs
Operation Blessing was already on the ground before Hurricane Helene struck. Our teams quickly responded in Valdosta, Georgia, and Asheville, North Carolina, to take vital supplies, water, hot meals, and hope to hurting survivors.
Jennifer and her 6-year-old son, Asher, had to flee from their ground-floor apartment in Asheville when the storm hit and were staying with her mother, who had no power or running water. When she came to our mobile kitchen for a hot meal, Jennifer found so much more. She was able to pick up the supplies she needed and speak to our on-site doctor about a recently broken rib.
Thanks to you, our team was also able to deliver vital supplies like water filters, solar lamps, and food to entire communities stuck behind washed-out mountain roads via helicopter and ATV. One survivor said: “I can definitely taste the amount of compassion somebody put into preparing this meal. That kind of hope is what this community needs right now.”
Making An Impact
- 568 hot meals served to victims of Hurricane Milton
- 30,000 hot meals served to survivors of Hurricane Helene
- 3,800 meal kits distributed across several states
- 100,000 gallons of drinking water provided to families without clean water
- 4,320 hygiene kits distributed in North Carolina and Georgia
- 3,000 buckets packed with cleaning supplies like trash bags, gloves, paper towels, and scouring pads
The Road to Recovery- Reaching Out with a Helping Hand
Residents who survived the storm faced a long, difficult road ahead. Houses were washed away or severely damaged, leaving homeowners who didn’t have flood insurance without a path forward. Charles and Maria were devastated when tons of rock, mud, and trees slid down a mountain and crashed into their dream home of 20 years. “We just looked at it and thought, we’re done,” Charles told us. “There’s no way we could even start.” But a team of 16 volunteers from Operation Blessing showed up and got to work removing massive hurricane debris and saved the home of this precious family. “The Bible says you will know them by their fruit,” Charles said as he watched the volunteers work. “You’re showing the love of Jesus more than anybody could show it.”
Being the Hands the Feet
• Over 600 volunteers partnered with Operation Blessing following hurricanes in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina in fall 2024
• Over 230 work orders were completed helping hurricane victims with cleanup and restoration
There For the Long Haul
Rebuilding has begun, but full restoration to the infrastructure and economy of western North Carolina and surrounding areas affected by Hurricane Helene will take months—even years. Thanks to your love, Operation Blessing is there for the long haul.
Asheville’s iconic River Arts District was devastated by floodwaters, destroying 26 galleries where more than 300 artists created and sold their work. Our hardworking volunteers helped them sort through the mud and debris to find and restore the art they had produced for sale. And your love provided an 8,000-square-foot space where these struggling artists could work on and display their pieces to support their families once again.
“The rescue efforts that have been going on here are phenomenal,” Stuart, a local artist, told us. “It’s very heartwarming how much people care—all the love and blessings that have been offered to us.”
Operation Blessing is also working hand in hand with World Vision, Excel College, and Adventures in Missions to build 175 homes for people who lost their homes along the Swannanoa River during the storm, thanks to YOU! “There’s going to be some major life changes that will come out of this,” Drew Friedrich, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Blessing, announced.
“There’s going to be some major life changes that will come out of this.”
-Drew Friedrich
Your Encouragement for Difficult Times
Rebuilding lives after a major disaster can take years. Not only do survivors face physical destruction of homes and possessions, they often suffer tremendous grief and trauma as well. We’re so thankful that you reach out and wrap your arms of love around them in these difficult times. And we’re doubly thankful that you’ve chosen to partner with us and allow us to physically reach out to them with practical help, encouragement, comfort, and hope.
Please keep the survivors of Hurricane Helene in your prayers as they continue to build a new future.
Please pray for:
- Shelter for families who have lost homes during the cold winter months
- Provision for so many who have lost their livelihoods in the wake of the storm
- Wisdom and safety for everyone who is working diligently to rebuild the infrastructure of devastated regions
- Strength for relief workers and volunteers as they work long hours to help restore communities and hope
- God’s love to permeate everything we do
Times are challenging, and the need is great. But one day at a time, people in the U.S. and around the world are finding hope on the road to recovery because of you. Thank you so much for sending your love and compassion to them. You can see the difference you’ve made in each smiling face.
Because of your support, Operation Blessing is providing not only immediate relief, but in many cases long-term recovery solutions. If you haven’t already, we hope that you will please consider getting involved with Operation Blessing on an ongoing basis by reaching out to poor and hurting people—perhaps even as a dedicated member of our community of Blessing Builders.
About Operation Blessing
The mission of Operation Blessing is to bring help and hope to a hurting world, empowering people in need through compassionate, Christ-centered relief and development programs. With the support of our generous partners, Operation Blessing provides disaster relief, medical care, hunger relief, and clean water.
