RESPONDING TO HURRICANE HELENE
Ongoing updates from the Rev. Brandon Dirks, Minister of Missions & Outreach - Last updated October 25, 2024
Melanie Trotter has graciously accepted the role to coordinate our ongoing response. Feel free to contact her directly (DisasterMinistry@providenceumc.org) to get more involved!
What’s Next?
Many are wondering what is happening with ongoing efforts. Be assured that among a variety of organizations providing rescue and relief, our Western North Carolina Conference (WNCC) is organizing the churches for a direct response plan as well. In an effort to keep you informed, the following is a very brief outline of what the current conference response plans are, and, what we at Providence UMC plan to do.
What to Know
Providence UMC will be involved in all phases of support. In order to be the most effective and not hinder any rescue efforts, we will be following the leadership of WNCC. Here is the plan from our conference:
RESCUE: Our conference reminded us that the mountains are still in a state of emergency, and that they are still in RESCUE MODE. There will be ample opportunities for our church to be involved during the entire process.
RELIEF: The “connectionalism” of the United Methodist Church is one of our strongest assets, especially in times of relief work.
Financial Donations. The best, fastest, and most flexible way to be of help is to donate to the WNCC Relief Fund through Providence UMC’s ‘disaster relief fund.’ These donations will go directly to those suffering in Western NC, as well as fill in the gaps that other organizations are unable to support. www.providenceumc.org/give or by check (“Disaster Relief” in the Memo line).
In-Kind Collections and Hotline Number. The conference Disaster Ministries team has set up a hotline that has organized a conference-wide supply chain for efficiency and effectiveness. If you have access to trucks or heavy equipment, we are asked to call the hotline. Hotline: 980.354.4157
Step 1. Collections at PUMC Missions Center. A list of supplies will be given to us and updated regularly. From now through Tuesday (October 29) at noon, the top priority need is children’s clothing (new and gently used). There is also a need for blankets, hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.) and water.
Step 2. Recruit Volunteers at PUMC to schedule and take these donations to a “District Collection Hub”. There are currently five in the Charlotte area (Woodlawn Community Fellowship is the closest one. The others are Covenant UMC [by the airport], Matthews UMC, University City UMC, Forest Hills UMC [Concord])
Step 3. The District Collection Hubs will fill trucks and deliver to one of six “Distribution Hubs” in WNC as coordinated by the Conference Disaster team to make sure the supplies go to the areas of most need. These Distribution Hubs then will distribute the supplies to where they are most needed.
Early Response Team. People who want to directly assist in Western North Carolina on work teams currently MUST be ERT (Early Response Team) trained. This is not only for safety of the volunteers, but also for the safety of those who are still in RELIEF MODE, as well as not be in the way of the professional authorities like FEMA and others. ERT trainings are currently filling up, but you can get more information by registering at: https://wnc-reg.brtapp.com/ERTTraining-InitialSign-Up
RECOVERY. The long-term recovery efforts will include work teams organized by the conference over the next few years. This will include clean up, rebuilding, and other tasks. There will many opportunities for PUMC members to volunteer to be on these teams.
What you can do now:
Pray. Visit the prayer station in the church’s atrium to light a candle and say a prayer for healing.
Donate money (here) or check to the PUMC with “Disaster Relief” in the memo
Donate CURRENT needed supplies: See list above (under “In-Kind Collections and Hotline Number”) - this list will be updated regularly.
Volunteer to sort and transport our collections to District Hubs. Contact Melanie Trotter to volunteer (HERE)
If you have trucks or heavy equipment, call the Disaster Ministries Hotline: 980.354.4157
I know each of us are struggling with our own personal feelings of pain and distress. Rest assured that God is especially present with those who suffer. Nothing seems more clear to me in the Bible and in my experience. And God has called His church, us, to be there too. And we are.
