As our community and region begin the work of recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, here are avenues where we can give, serve, and donate. It is always our work to love our neighbors and now it is more clear and important than ever. There are countless organizations, groups, and strategies for helping. The following groups are just a few parts of the whole network.
Organizations
Mennonite Disaster Services (MDS)
MDS is an established organization that mobilizes churches and volunteers to respond to disasters in the US and Canada.
Volunteer: Make a volunteer profile from the MDS home page and then join the Volunteer Waitlist where you will be contacted by MDS organizers.
Donate: 100% of donated funds will be used for the recovery effort.
International Disaster Emergency Services (IDES)
IDES is a Christian Church/Church of Christ disaster relief agency that organizes volunteer efforts through local churches.
Volunteer: Sign up here for days or weeks that you can serve in the area. IDES will communicate about locations and projects.
Donate: 100% of your donation will help with Hurricane Response. Donate online here. If you wish to write a check, they can be made out to IDES with Hurricane Response in the memo line and sent to IDES 355 Park 32 West Drive Noblesville, IN 46062.
To submit a Work Order, complete this form.
Appalachia Service Project (ASP)
ASP works in the Appalachian region to make homes warmer, safer, and drier through new build and repair programs.
Volunteer: Sign up here for days to serve.
Donate: ASP has set a fundraising effort with a goal of raising enough money to fully replace three houses. Learn more and donate here.
Appalachian Christian Camp (ACC)
Just down the road in Unicoi, Camp ACC has canceled all of their scheduled retreats in order to respond directly to hurricane relief. They are housing responders as well as people who have been displaced by the storm. Learn more about their efforts and how you can get help or volunteer here.
Volunteer: View the tasks and times that the camp needs to fill for the rest of the month and sign up here.
Donate: You can contribute financially to the cost of housing people in this crisis on Camp ACC's website here.
Material Donations
As needs change, contributing general supplies becomes less important than giving money, volunteer hours, and specific items by request. Requested materials and ways to help organize and distribute them are updated regularly. Please check the latest information about donating and serving provided by the following organizations.