OPINION:
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, thousands of people were left devastated, unsure of where to turn, and in desperate need of support. Now, after Hurricane Milton splashed through the entire Floridian peninsula, the need is greater than ever.
Churches are called to be places of refuge in such times. However, despite the best intentions, churches are at risk of becoming a “second disaster” in relief efforts if they are unprepared or uncoordinated.
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At United in Crisis, we’ve worked on the ground in the aftermath of many large-scale crises, and what we’ve consistently seen is that churches are often the first to mobilize after a natural disaster. Here’s how churches can effectively step into their role of providing vital assistance and care in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
1. Partner with other churches and local authorities
Historically, churches working together with other congregations and local government agencies are far more effective than those that operate in isolation. Working with other churches helps ensure efforts are not duplicated, a plan is put in place and churches complement one another and meet different needs than those already underway. It also opens the door to many donors, including large and mega-donors who are moved by the fact of the local church working together under one organization to shepherd families until they are back in a safe and clean home. This kind of financial windfall is greatly needed to position the church as one of the key leaders or the leader in the long-term recovery response to repair and rebuild homes. It is at this point, that multitudes of families see God’s goodness through the love of His Church working together, caring for survivor needs until the end, causing them to turn to Jesus. In Psalm 133, it says God commands a blessing for those who dwell together in unity.
SEE ALSO: LISTEN: Hurricanes Helene & Milton reveal our vulnerabilities
2. Emphasize safety in your response
Hurricane-affected areas are extremely dangerous. Rescue operations are ongoing, thousands of people are missing, and the environment is hazardous. As churches send volunteers, safety needs to be at the forefront. Be sure that those going into affected areas are dressed appropriately. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and durable shoes are essential. It is also necessary to wear masks for mold exposure, especially if warm days follow the hurricane and mold begins to grow. Volunteers should also know the areas they’re going into. It’s crucial to avoid locations where they could be putting themselves or others in danger.
3. Build and ship care kits
One way churches can provide immediate and practical support is by organizing care kit drives. Instead of sending individual donations of clothing or random items, churches can work together and build care kits — large plastic tubs filled with essential supplies that can be given to a family or individual.
Each care kit should include non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene products, first aid supplies, and other practical items for families who’ve lost everything. A list of essential care kit items can be found here. These care kits can then be gathered in bulk by churches and shipped to churches within the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Helene. This method ensures that the right kinds of help reach those in need, without overwhelming local shelters with unnecessary items.
To facilitate this, churches can set up a new landing page or separate giving platform dedicated to care kit donations and distribution. This allows congregants and other supporters to contribute in a way that will be both impactful and organized.
4. Offer emotional and spiritual support
During times of crisis, the “goodness of God” is on trial in the minds of many people who do not have a relationship with God. Many people are asking deep, difficult questions: “Why would a loving God allow this to happen to me?” while insurance companies are telling people this was an “Act of God.” In times like these, churches must be prepared to offer hope and provide emotional and spiritual care to survivors.
I recall a story from a woman who experienced a massive flood. She was questioning God, angry and distraught. Within 24 hours, a local family offered her a place to stay. This act of kindness was an eye-opener for her — she saw firsthand how God works through His people to bring physical care and hope. Churches can play a critical role in walking alongside families in their grief, confusion, and loss. Training church volunteers how to communicate and shepherd individuals or families who are emotionally distraught after a crisis plays a huge role in the church’s deployment.
One mistake the church should be careful to avoid is showing up in affected areas and immediately sharing the gospel in a manner that feels tone-deaf to those who are suffering. Imagine telling a family that lost everything, “You’re going to hell,” when they don’t have the basics (food, water, shelter, transportation) in place. Instead, start with empathy and compassion: “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.” Offer emotional and spiritual support and meet their immediate physical needs first. Opportunities to share the gospel will come later, by walking alongside survivors until they get back to a safe and clean home.
5. Be in it for the long haul
Crisis relief is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. After the initial shock fades and media coverage moves on, the recovery process continues for months, even years. Studies show that it takes an average of 10 years for communities to fully recover from a major disaster.
This long-term view means churches should be careful not to neglect their own congregations in the process. Burnout is real, and crisis recovery efforts can drain a congregation’s resources and energy. It’s important for church leaders to pace themselves, ensuring that they are still spiritually and emotionally present for their members while helping the broader community recover.
6. Training and preparation for future crises
Churches can become a reliable asset in their crisis response efforts by investing in training and preparation. At United in Crisis, we offer in-person and online training for communities that want to form a crisis response church network. The training is specifically designed to help church leaders thrive during crisis as well as lay a foundation for a successful long-term crisis response. Training includes guidance on coordinating efforts with government agencies and other churches, establishing a communication plan between churches to avoid duplication of services, launching a command and call center, shepherding survivor families until they are back on their feet, and strategy for a long-term recovery that positions the church to lead the recovery efforts. By taking these steps now, churches can be more effective during a crisis and for future crises.
7. Be a beacon of hope
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Milton, churches have a profound opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ in multiple ways. But it’s critical that we approach this work with humility, caution, and preparation. By partnering with other churches and agencies, focusing on safety, providing life-giving resources, offering emotional and spiritual support, shepherding families until they are back on their feet, and committing to the long-term recovery process to rebuild and repair homes, we can truly be a beacon of hope in these dark times.
When churches are prepared and coordinated, we are not only helping others recover — we are reflecting the love and compassion of Christ in the midst of crisis.
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Daniel Geraci is the Founder and CEO of United in Crisis, a global training nonprofit organization focused on uniting, preparing and equipping churches and their members around the globe to form local crisis response church networks. Previously, he served as Founder and Executive Director of the Austin Disaster Relief Network where he led the effort to assist hundreds of thousands of disaster survivors, train over 20,000 volunteers, raise more than $22 million to help affected families, and help launch several church networks in the midst of crisis.
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