FRANKLIN — Nearly one year after Hurricane Helene devastated East Tennessee, the Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief has mobilized extensive resources to rebuild communities across the region.
TBDR has deployed 462 disaster relief teams that logged more than 33,552 volunteer hours since Jan. 1, 2025, in East Tennessee, according to data from Garry Maddox, Arise and Build coordinator for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
The relief efforts have reached 862 families and completed 552 jobs throughout the region. Teams have finished construction on seven houses and have 11 additional teams scheduled to work through the end of the year.
Hurricane Helene struck East Tennessee and Western North Carolina on Sept. 27, 2024, leaving widespread destruction across multiple counties. The storm’s impact prompted the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board to launch its Arise and Build initiative, which has raised $4,422,640.65 in donations to support ongoing recovery efforts.
The disaster relief program has also recorded at least three salvations during its rebuilding work, reflecting the dual mission of physical restoration and spiritual ministry.
TBDR continues coordinating volunteer teams and resources as communities work toward full recovery from the historic storm.
