UNITED STATES – When Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm, no one anticipated the sheer devastation it would leave in its wake. Ripping through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, Helene proved to be the deadliest hurricane to strike the United States in over 20 years. Communities were cut off, roads washed away, and the lives of thousands were turned upside down. In the midst of this disaster, you—the generous partners of Operation Blessing—rose to the occasion, providing life-saving hurricane relief to those in desperate need. In spite of the destruction, you helped provide hope through Hurricane Helene relief.
Helene Relief in North Carolina: The Storm Hits Home
As Hurricane Helene barreled northward, Asheville became one of the hardest-hit areas. Record-breaking flooding devastated the region, cutting off residents from essential services. “It hasn’t been this bad since 1916,” says Hayley Henson, a member of the Operation Blessing U.S. Disaster Relief team, who experienced the storm firsthand in her hometown. Washed-out roads and downed cell service left many stranded and unable to call for help. “Many people couldn’t leave. Low-income communities were hit hardest because they didn’t have the resources to evacuate,” Hayley said.
“Many people couldn’t leave—low-income communities were hit hardest because they didn’t have the resources to evacuate.”
-Hayley Henson – National Media Liaison
But thanks to your unwavering support, help arrived swiftly. The Operation Blessing team, already positioned in Florida ahead of the storm, quickly mobilized and reached those in need.
You Made Hope through Hurricane Helene Relief Possible
With the magnitude of the disaster, our Operation Blessing disaster experts from across the globe were called in to assist with the relief efforts in Asheville and the surrounding area of North Carolina. Emergency meal kits, water, and other essential supplies were delivered to communities that hadn’t yet received help. Danny Castro, a member of the Operation Blessing International Disaster team summed up the direness of the situation. “There’s no gas, no electricity—they’re in great need.”
Bringing Hurricane Relief to Georgia: Your Impact in Valdosta
In Georgia, the impact of Hurricane Helene was also significant, with communities left grappling with downed trees, destroyed homes, and power outages. In Valdosta, local churches partnered with Operation Blessing to bring critical hurricane relief to affected residents. Pastor Caleb Clay, who worked closely with Operation Blessing, noted how the partnership allowed his church to be the “hands and feet of Jesus” to their hurting community.
“We’ve never seen anything like this, not even after Hurricane Idalia last year,” Pastor Clay said. “But as soon as we needed them, Operation Blessing was there, organizing volunteers and providing resources to help us clean up debris, tarp roofs, and bring hope to our neighbors. None of this would have been possible without you, our generous donors.”
Your Generosity in Action: A Personal Thank You
In the face of such overwhelming devastation, it’s easy to feel helpless. But you, through your donations and support, have made an incredible difference. Residents who were isolated and afraid, like Melissa Benson, were overjoyed to see Operation Blessing arrive. “This is the first organization to come to this side of town,” she said. “We appreciate you being here to help us when we need it most.”
Another resident, Sadie Jones, echoed that gratitude: “You people are God’s blessing for two old ladies who can’t fend for themselves. What you’re doing is beyond imaginable, coming to our rescue like this. God bless you all.”
Continuing the Work of Hurricane Helene Relief
The road to recovery is long, but thanks to your selfless giving, Operation Blessing continues to be on the front lines of disaster relief. Whether it’s clearing debris, delivering meals, or simply offering a shoulder to cry on, the impact you’ve made through your generosity is life-changing for those affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and Georgia.
As Hayley, who witnessed the devastation firsthand, says, “There’s something about disasters that pulls people together. God helps us pool our resources to help those in need, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. And we couldn’t do it without you.”
Your love and compassion are the heart of our efforts. Because of you, hope is on the horizon for the countless families rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.
