People are reeling in the aftermath of the deadliest hurricane in U.S. history. Hurricane Helene washed away entire cities. What’s left in many places has been thrown back in history before electricity, tapwater and the Internet with no clear signs of when either will return.
“People can't get water, people can't get food, people can't get electricity,” said Philip Forester of Johnson City, Tennessee. “So please, anything you all can do to help, we would really, really appreciate it.”
Texans on Mission Disaster Relief volunteers are doing more than anything; they’re doing everything they can do.
Teams are providing as many as 4,000 meals a day in Johnson City alone. Other teams are cleaning out flooded homes in the area. Over in North Carolina, Texans on Mission chainsaw teams cut and remove fallen limbs and trees from homes. In Florida, Texans on Mission leaders are supporting flood recovery efforts in the Tampa Bay area.
“Helene left a trail of almost unbelievable destruction,” Texans on Mission Disaster Relief Director David Wells said. “It’s like each state is suffering from a Hurricane Katrina-like event.
“People are downtrodden and hopeless. We aim to help pick them back up, help them down the path toward recovery, and serve as reminders of God’s love.”
Residents across the region are pushing forward and putting forth a good face. But strong emotions run just underneath as hundreds of people remain missing. Tears flow easily after TXM teams finish each project. Families hug volunteers, thanking them for their help before praying with them.
“These guys are a blessing,” said Joe Carpenter of Forest City, North Carolina, after the Rolling Timbers TXM chainsaw team pulled a 25-foot tree off his roof. “I’m 83 years old. There’s no way I could do this on my own.”