How the Foundation is answering God’s call after Helene

As Western North Carolina moves toward recovery, the Foundation is walking alongside our partners – ensuring they have resources to fulfill God’s promise of deliverance.

We write today to share an update on these efforts. Like others who have faithfully given, we pray our response brings a measure of wholeness and healing to a region in great need.

The Board of Directors in late October approved a distribution of $200,000 for immediate, no-strings-attached gifts to churches and related ministries in the areas most impacted by Helene. These funds come from Foundation reserves and generous individual contributors.

Feedback from recipients underscores the breadth of challenges. In Asheville, St. Paul’s UMC Preschool provided financial aid for preschool families who suffered substantial losses. In Rutherford College, Abernethy Memorial UMC paid its utility bill, freeing up more funds for recovery.

“One of the first things that disappears when churches do not meet are regular offerings,” said Rev. Kaury Edwards. “October was extremely low. This was a huge blessing…to literally let our light shine.”

Among other elements of the Foundation’s initial response:

• Hope Fund grants supported churches that flooded, including FaithBridge UMC in Blowing Rock, where the church office was all but totaled, the food pantry and youth cottage had three feet of water and falling trees destroyed a stage near the river. “Our community is rebuilding,” said Rev. Ben Carson, adding the aid will “go a long way toward helping us recover.”
• Staff members trained Early Response Teams, answered phones and provided Spanish-language services at the WNCC Disaster Response Hotline, a call center established by the Conference.
• A storytelling series in partnership with the Conference shined a light on United Methodists stepping forward to serve. The photo above shows Sparta UMC, where church members prepared hot meals and bagged lunches after the storm.
• The Foundation staff raised funds internally for two generator kits to support relief work.

“In times such as these,” said President David Snipes, “the Foundation’s mission of building the Church for generations to come becomes even more critical. We are blessed to give back and, hopefully, help bring a spirit of hope and renewal for the future.”

As needs evolve, the Foundation will find more ways to respond. Bishop Carter announced last week that $1.985 million has been raised from churches and gifts from individuals, foundations and other annual conferences. In addition, the WNCC Council on Finance and Administration and Board of Pensions and Health Benefits have each contributed $1 million toward the recovery.

This work represents the start of a long-term undertaking. Through God’s grace and the strength of our Connection, we will find the way toward brighter days.