
This is one of the first houses being constructed as part of the Arise and Build Initiative. The TBMB has partnered with the Appalachian Service Project to rebuild at least 40 homes damaged by Hurricane Helene.
GREENEVILLE — Members of the Arise and Build Task Force reported “significant progress” Friday during a meeting to evaluate relief efforts for those affected by the historic flood caused by Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee.
The flood, which tore through a large geographic area on Sept. 27, 2024, destroyed homes, churches, and businesses, leaving countless people displaced. Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief (TBDR) and other organizations responded immediately to provide aid. Once the initial response tapered off, the Arise and Build Task Force was formed to develop a long-term strategy to help rebuild East Tennessee.
To date, TBDR has completed more than 550 cleanup jobs and restored 62 homes. Additionally, TBDR has secured commitments from 26 Tennessee Baptist churches to rebuild houses.
The Nolachucky Baptist Association, in collaboration with God’s Warehouse, has rebuilt 17 private bridges across rivers or streams, reconnecting driveways to state or county roads. They also have another 40 bridges scheduled for installation.
“Homeowners must bear the cost of bridge replacement,” said Don Owen, director of the Nolachucky Baptist Association Disaster Relief and God’s Warehouse. “The state and county can’t repair these bridges since they are private drives, and every one of them is different.”
Through the rebuilding efforts of both First Baptist Church Greeneville and Appalachian Service Project, several homes have been completely rebuilt, with dozens more scheduled for the coming weeks.
The task force also noted a spiritual impact from relief efforts. Several individuals have come to faith in Jesus Christ, while others who were resistant to Christianity have shown interest after interacting with disaster relief volunteers.
However, task force members expressed a sense of urgency, citing the serious living conditions of many displaced residents at this time.
Some are still living in tents, and with the coldest part of winter approaching, the group emphasized the need to accelerate efforts.
“The coldest part of winter is coming,” said Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and the initiator of the task force, which first met last October. “We’ve still got some people living in tents. We’ve got to keep working diligently to get people back in houses.”
Task force members remain committed to working through the winter months but acknowledged that weather will slow progress. Geren Street, pastor of Roan Mountain First Baptist Church, suggested the group focus on staging relief and construction teams to begin work as soon as the snow melts in early spring.
Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief has a dedicated website for this purpose. Individuals or churches interested in supporting the relief effort financially, adopting a family to rebuild their home, or hosting teams in East Tennessee can learn more by visiting tndisasterrelief.org/ariseandbuild. B&R


