Hurricane Helene Relief: Partnering for Recovery

NORTH CAROLINA – When Hurricane Helene rampaged through parts of Western North Carolina, the damage was devastating, leaving homes and businesses in shambles. Entire communities faced widespread destruction, with roads blocked by debris, power outages, and access to basic necessities severely limited. Operation Blessing quickly stepped in, providing critical disaster relief to Hurricane Helene victims. This included delivering essential resources like water, food, and hygiene kits.

This massive relief effort is only happening because of you. Your generosity makes it possible to reach storm-affected families and help them begin the long road to recovery. The incredible response from our partners means that, even in hard-to-reach areas, we can continue delivering the necessary supplies and support.

Hurricane damage in Asheville, North Carolina

Hurricane Helene Relief in the Town of Asheville, North Carolina

In the town of Asheville, North Carolina, residents found themselves cut off from gas stations and grocery stores, unable to find basic essentials. Fallen trees and impassable roads contributed to the chaos. Operation Blessing’s team, alongside volunteers, is working tirelessly to provide much-needed relief. Despite the immense Hurricane Helene damage, our partners are working hard to ensure that no one is left behind in this recovery effort.

The overwhelming property damage in small towns is heartbreaking. Yet, with your unwavering support, we managed to deploy relief teams swiftly, setting up feeding stations and distributing water in these storm-ravaged areas. You are making this happen by standing with families as they begin to rebuild their lives.

The Power of Community After Disaster

The Hurricane Helene relief effort also demonstrates the power of community, with our partners’ generosity at the forefront. You allow Operation Blessing to continue offering the disaster response needed to bring hope to people in distress. The impact of your donations reaches far beyond immediate needs, contributing to long-term recovery for families devastated by the hurricane.

This is more than just a cleanup; it’s about restoring hope to families who lost so much. Your continued support throughout the Hurricane Helene relief effort makes all the difference.

Rebuilding these communities would be impossible without the tremendous help of our partners. Every donation, every show of support, is a lifeline for those who lost their homes and livelihoods in the storm.

Thank You for Caring for People in Western North Carolina

We want to thank you—the heart and soul behind this relief effort. Because of your generosity, families across Western North Carolina are being given hope. Together, we stand stronger, ready to face whatever comes next, knowing that your compassion will continue to bring comfort and help to disaster victims in need.

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Hurricane Helene damage in North Carolina

Hope After Helene: A Mother’s Terrifying Tale

VALDOSTA, GEORGIA – “Mom, I don’t think I’m going to make it.” Those were words no mother ever wants to hear, and they chilled Belinda Cribb to the bone as she heard them from her son over the phone.

Unfortunately, stories like this continue to pour in from hurricane-devastated North Carolina even now, and not all of them have such a good ending. That’s why our team is there on the ground searching out those in need to offer a helping hand.

In the video above, Belinda shares her terrifying experience with Hurricane Helene, which struck as a Category 4 storm in late September near her home of Valdosta, Georgia.

Thankfully, Belinda’s fears were unfounded. Though their home was surrounded by fallen trees, her son was thankfully unharmed. By God’s grace, Belinda was reunited with him the next morning.

But after returning home, Belinda faced the immense damage unleashed by the storm. “The last three days, I’ve cried all the way from where I’m coming from to here. I’ve cried all the way,” said the long-time Valdosta resident. “Because seeing what people are going through is just immense.”

Hope After Helene Through Your Kindness

But friends like you didn’t let Belinda suffer alone. You sent an Operation Blessing disaster relief team to her home, and they got to work tarping her roof and providing prayer and support. “You can’t put it into words when you’re going through this,” Belinda said through tears. “And, you know, all these nice boys come up to you and shake your hand.”

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Thank you for providing tangible help and hope for survivors of Hurricane Helene. There are still countless families who need help, especially in North Carolina! Visit https://www.ob.org/disaster-relief/ to send aid to disaster victims today.

Hurricane Helene Devastation: A Tale of Destruction and Hope

UNITED STATES – The recent Hurricane Helene devastation has left communities reeling across multiple states, with North Carolina bearing the brunt of what officials describe as “catastrophic” destruction. As residents grapple with the aftermath, a massive disaster relief effort is underway, bringing together local communities, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations like Operation Blessing.

Massive Hurricane Helene Damage

In Asheville, North Carolina, the extent of Hurricane Helene devastation is staggering. Drone footage reveals impassable roads, isolating survivors and complicating rescue efforts. Local officials report that hundreds of people are missing in Buncombe County alone, where compromised cell connections and dangerous travel conditions hamper communication and aid delivery.

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Community Response and Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief

Despite the challenges, communities are rallying together. In Asheville, residents lined up outside grocery stores to stock up on essentials, while others organized community potlucks to share resources. Organizations like Operation Blessing are at the forefront of these relief efforts. Staging out of Valdosta, Georgia, and partnering with Anchor Faith Church, Operation Blessing is sending volunteers into affected neighborhoods to assist with cleanup and provide hot meals. In Forest City, North Carolina, Operation Blessing has set up distribution sites, delivering hygiene kits, water, and emergency meal kits to families in need.

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Thank You For Being There for Them

The immediate focus is on disaster relief, and your support of Operation Blessing is what makes that possible. As we continue to address the impact of Hurricane Helene devastation, your kindness is making a difference in the lives of disaster victims. You are writing a larger story of hope and are the hands and feet of Christ. Thank you for endless kindness and generosity!

Help After Hurricane Helene

GEORGIA – You are empowering volunteers to provide help after Hurricane Helene for disaster victims! Your incredible generosity has enabled Operation Blessing to forge a powerful partnership with Anchor Faith Church in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Together, we’ve mobilized dedicated volunteers who are now on the ground, providing crucial support to devastated communities.

These compassionate individuals are distributing essential supplies and helping families clear debris, as they take their first steps towards recovery after the storm’s destruction. Your support is the catalyst for hope, turning despair into determination as we work tirelessly to rebuild lives and restore communities.

Volunteers are the backbone of disaster relief. They are there on the ground, providing both physical support and spiritual support. After a massive storm like Helene, these volunteers are essential both to offer a ray of hope and to offer comfort in the midst of tragedy

Help after Hurricane Helene in a Number of Ways

Thank you for your continued prayers and support in this difficult time. Your kindness and generosity make our disaster relief efforts possible. Without YOU, many might not have the basic necessities needed to survive. You are truly the hands and feet that show people the love of Christ. By providing support after Hurricane Helene, you are helping to restore hope to people in need. Visit ob.org/obdisaster to help victims of disaster get back on their feet.

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Hurricane Helene: Operation Blessing Partnering with Local Church

GEORGIA – Operation Blessing is already on the ground working in Valdosta, GA, where the center of the hurricane brought intense winds and driving rains. One of our strengths is our focus on partnering with local organizations. This allows us to assess the area with assistance from local organizations who can help us direct aid to where it’s most needed.

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Partnering with Local Church Anchor Faith

For our efforts in Georgia, we are partnering with a local church called Anchor Faith Church. Pastor Mark Brady said, “We’re just thankful to partner with Operation Blessing and do whatever we can to be a blessing to our community at this time.” He continued, “They prepared us for what they could do and how we can partner with them serve our community with cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, food, even prepping hot meals here.”

Another multinational team of disaster relief experts have arrived in North Carolina, where flooding has absolutely devastated communities. Additionally, we are serving the community around our warehouse in the city of Bristol on the border of Virginia and Tennessee where food and water are huge needs.

working with Anchor Faith Church in Georgia

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This is only possible because of the generous support of our Operation Blessing partners. You can help disaster victims when you visit https://www.ob.org/disaster-relief/ today!

Reaching Out to the Brokenhearted in Asheville and Beyond

Asheville destruction from Hurricane Helene

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NORTH CAROLINA – OB National Media Liaison, Hayley Henson is still reeling after Hurricane Helene struck the area where she lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

She shared her emotional firsthand account of the storm. “The last thing that I expected was for this storm to head north and impact this mountainous region, in which I live, the way that it did.” Seeing the destruction, she continued, “It’s been heartbreaking. It’s record-breaking flooding. It hasn’t been this bad since 1916.”

“There were downed trees, downed power lines So many people couldn’t get out. There was no way to get out on the roadways,” Hayley said. “Most people are without power, without water, and most restaurants are closed. It’s really hard to get resources. Gas stations are running out of gas.”

A team of Operation Blessing disaster relief experts from around the globe has arrived since the shooting of this video, and they’re on the ground in Asheville beginning their outreach. They will provide comfort and much needed resources in this time of devastation. Meanwhile another team will continue serving in Valdosta, Georgia, where they’ve been since Saturday after initially offering relief in Florida.

Hayley also said, “I’ve seen firsthand what our team can do the way they can love on people, pour out resources, prayers and just be there for people in their time of need.”

Please continue to support this vital disaster relief work through your donations and prayers so that we can help more people. It’s because of friends like you that we can do what we do.

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You Are Blessing Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina After Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

Helping after Hurricane Helene in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

SOUTHEAST U.S. – Immediately following the monster storm, Operation Blessing canvassed Florida to meet needs after Category 4 Hurricane Helene ravaged the region. Over 500 miles wide, Helene has left wind damage, flooding, and power outages for millions across Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

Even before the storm hit land, our disaster relief team was pre-staged in Florida with tools and vital supplies. Then, as Helene continued raging on to the north, our relief team got to work. They navigated road closures and dangers in Florida to find those who needed help and offer relief.

There we met William in the video above along with many others. Thanks to friends like you, we were able to offer help, hope, and comfort to these hurting residents. William said, “Ya’ll came up here and offered me a sandwich and prayed for me. And I just think it’s so amazing that human beings can love each other like we do.”

Next, learning that some of the worst damage actually occurred farther inland, we moved our base of operations to a hard-hit area of Georgia. There we are offering relief like food and water, as well as assisting with recovery efforts.

With your ongoing support, Operation Blessing is also sending a team to western North Carolina. The area is in desperate need of assistance to help families recover from historic flood damage there that sadly took many lives, left hundreds stranded, and demolished communication systems and other key infrastructure. There, highways looked like rivers, and entire areas were wiped out. Additional Operation Blessing disaster relief staff from around the world are en route to North Carolina to help with this heartbreaking situation.

Our response is still developing, so please check back for updates. Visit https://www.ob.org/mc/obdisaster to find out how you can help disaster victims. And please keep residents in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina in your prayers!

Operation Blessing Reaches Out Following Hurricane Helene

Operation Blessing is responding after Hurricane Helene

Last night Hurricane Helene, one of the largest hurricanes in a century, devoured Florida’s coast—flooding homes, snapping trees, smashing power lines, and even taking lives.

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Helene struck as a Category 4 storm more than 500 miles wide, with wind speeds up to 140mph ravaging communities and torrential rains submerging cars and houses. Even now, it’s pushing further inland, knocking out power and causing water rescues as far as Atlanta, Georgia and South Carolina.

Families in Florida are already reeling from the storm’s impact. And they need your help! With friends like you, we can be there for the hurting at their worst moment and be among the first to embrace them with relief in hand.

Even as the Hurricane Helene finishes its course, our team is on the ground in Florida navigating road closures and power outages to assess damages and find the greatest needs. We deployed before the storm even hit to be ready to help as soon as possible.

As millions suffer without power, clean water access, and flooded homes, your gift can help provide for those basic needs and give them what they need most—hope and the chance to feel God’s love. The need for a rapid response is critical, and you can be an answer to prayer today!

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Please join us in praying for those who have lost loved ones and much they hold dear. Thank you for your heart of compassion!

The Struggle of Living with Crossed Eyes

MEXICO – Juan Diego’s battle with crossed eyes began in infancy, a concern that has weighed heavily on his mother, Candelaria, ever since. “The doctor at a health clinic told us he would need surgery but to wait until he was older,” she recalled. As Juan grew, the impact of his condition became increasingly apparent.

By age six, Juan Diego found himself struggling with tasks that most children take for granted. “I like to run and play. Sometimes I fall because I can’t see well,” he shared, his words revealing the daily challenges he faced due to his impaired vision.

His mother was very concerned about her son’s condition. “I worry something bad will happen. I feel like I have to watch him extra carefully and watch for things in his path,” Candelaria explained.

“I worry something bad will happen. I feel like I have to watch him extra carefully and watch for things in his path.”
-Juan Diego’s Mother Candelaria

The High Cost to Heal Juan Diego’s Crossed Eyes

For Juan Diego’s family, the cost of treatment for his crossed eyes posed an insurmountable barrier. His father, Alex, works at a gas station, while Candelaria cares for their five children. Their limited income barely covered their basic needs, let alone medical expenses.

“The doctor said the operation would cost $750. That’s why we haven’t done it because it’s too much for us,” Candelaria shared.

“We wanted to take him to the doctor, but we never could. If we would pay for Juan Diego’s treatment, then we would not eat,” she explained, illustrating the heart-wrenching decisions many families face when dealing with medical issues while facing financial limitations.

A Ray of Hope: Operation Blessing’s Intervention

It was during a medical outreach in their community that Operation Blessing first encountered Juan Diego and his family. Recognizing the urgent need and the family’s inability to afford treatment, Operation Blessing offered help.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our partners—supporters like you—Juan Diego’s life was about to change dramatically. Operation Blessing arranged and funded free surgery to repair the muscles in his eyes, a procedure that would have remained out of reach without this intervention.

The Impact of Your Generosity

The effect of this act of kindness was profound. “It was God who sent you to help us. Because we never, never imagined we would get help like this,” Candelaria expressed, her gratitude evident in every word.

For Juan Diego, the transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Post-surgery, he joyfully declared, “Thank you for fixing my eyes!” Now able to see clearly, he can play without the fear of falling, opening up a world of possibilities for a future without crossed eyes.

Hurricane Francine Help for 91-Year-Old Resident

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LOUISIANA – The Operation Blessing U.S. disaster relief team is in Kenner, Louisiana, after Hurricane Francine brought heavy winds, localized flooding, and mass power outages to the region.

91-year-old local, Nolan, shared his experience in the storm. “It was originally a category one, and it came in as a two. A lot more volume of the wind. And it actually destroyed some of my property.”

Debris and Yard Cleanup after Hurricane Francine

Thanks to your support and your prayers, we’ve been able to partner with Church of the King to provide warm meals, water, ice, and to get out into victims’ yards to clean up debris and remove downed trees.

Nolan said, “They cut down two trees and they cleaned out my backyard. It’s been very nice. Everybody has been very good, very professional.” he continued. “I couldn’t have got this done any other way. I’d have had to wait until I could get money to do it. And that would have been a while.”

It’s because of you that we’ve been able to share God’s love and restore hope to those that are hurting in this region. You can help even more families in need when you visit https://www.ob.org/disaster-relief/ today!

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