Asheville – In the wake of Hurricane Helene, over 3,000 volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donned their signature yellow shirts and vests to lend a helping hand in Western North Carolina. Since October 4, these dedicated individuals have rolled up their sleeves to clear debris, muck out homes, and restore hope to those affected by the storm.
A Coordinated Effort for Maximum Impact
The logistics of mobilizing such a large number of volunteers can be daunting. Steven Stay, the Stake Communications Director for the Asheville Stake, explained that while finding willing volunteers is rarely an issue, matching them to the specific needs of the community is crucial. To streamline this process, the Church collaborates with Crisis Cleanup, a third-party nonprofit that collects service requests from affected residents. “This prevents a mismatch between needs and volunteer capabilities,” Stay said.
In addition to using Crisis Cleanup, the Church coordinates with local authorities and other aid organizations to ensure efforts are not duplicated. “We strive to connect with local government and first responders directly,” Stay noted. This collaborative approach maximizes the impact of their relief efforts and ensures that help reaches those who need it most.
Prioritizing Urgency in Aid Distribution
Determining which communities receive aid first is another critical aspect of the Church’s relief strategy. Stay shared that access to affected areas plays a significant role in this decision-making process. “Our command center leadership sorts the jobs we claim by urgency and prioritizes the homes of first responders,” he explained. This ensures that those who are essential to the recovery efforts can focus on their work without worrying about their own homes.
The Church’s commitment to disaster relief is not new; it has been a part of its mission for decades. However, Stay emphasized that recent efforts have shifted towards highlighting the motivation behind their work. “We want to show the love of Jesus Christ to the world,” he said. This change is reflected in their branding, as the Church has moved away from the nickname “Mormon Helping Hands” to emphasize its official name on volunteer shirts.
As volunteers continue their work in the coming weeks, heavy machinery crews will join the effort to tackle more extensive cleanup tasks. The dedication of these individuals is a testament to the power of community and faith in times of crisis.
In a world where natural disasters seem increasingly common, the Church’s approach to relief work serves as a reminder that compassion and cooperation can make a significant difference. Whether through clearing debris or simply offering a listening ear, these volunteers embody the spirit of service that resonates deeply within their faith.