States across the Southeast are recovering from hurricanes, Helene and Milton, which were within weeks of one another. Helene alone was one of the worst storms in U.S. history, and inflicted a long path of devastation, reaching from Florida’s Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia.

In the aftermath, faith-based organizations, including the Salvation Army and Send Relief (a Southern Baptist Convention initiative), are preparing for a long, slow recovery that may take years. National faith-based organizations play a critical role in disaster recovery, especially through the National Voluntary Organization Active in Disasters, underscoring their significance in providing both practical and spiritual support during crises.

“In my more than 20 years of disaster experience, I can’t think of a time when such a large area was at risk,” Jeff Jellets from the Salvation Army says. “God opens the door for us to bring a little bit of light into those situations.”

The Salvation Army has been instrumental in providing emergency services and temporary shelter for those displaced by the storm. Relief workers have served more than 400,000 meals in areas affected by Helene. Send Relief, coordinating closely with FEMA and local houses of worship, has also been actively supporting recovery efforts on the ground.

According to a Religion News Service report, volunteers with the North Carolina Baptist Disaster Relief have cooked more than 100,000 meals in a church parking lot. While more than 2,000 volunteers with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina have been deployed to assist with recovery. Baptist disaster relief is working closely with state, local and federal officials in the aftermath of the storm.

Samaritan’s Purse, an evangelical humanitarian organization in Boone, North Carolina, have helped clear debris, install water filtration systems, helicopter in essential supplies, and send 50 Starlink kits to restore internet service. According to Graham, more than 16,000 volunteers have shown up to help.

Eight Days of Hope, a Christian group that works with churches and specializes in mobilizing large numbers of disaster relief volunteers, has been setting up mobile feeding sites and trailers for laundry and showers.

These initiatives reflect the steadfast dedication of faith communities to offer not only material assistance but also emotional and spiritual healing, bringing hope to those affected by the devastation.

Here’s a list of some of the faith groups assisting with disaster relief:

1. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Faith Counts partner – Distributing emergency supplies and helping with community cleanup efforts.
2. Samaritan’s Purse – Providing emergency supplies, cleanup, and repair assistance.
3. Catholic Charities USA – Offering food, shelter, and recovery support to affected communities.
4. The Salvation Army, a Faith Counts partner – Providing meals, clothing, and temporary shelters to survivors.
5. Jewish Federations of North America – Coordinating disaster relief efforts and raising funds to support affected Jewish and general communities.
6. Islamic Relief USA – Distributing emergency aid including food, water, and shelter to those impacted by the hurricane.
7. United Methodist Committee on Relief – Assisting with disaster response, offering relief kits, and rebuilding efforts.
8. Lutheran Disaster Response – Helping with long-term recovery efforts, including housing repairs and emotional care.
9. Baptist Disaster Relief – Mobilizing volunteers for debris removal, meal distribution, and reconstruction work.
10. Episcopal Relief & Development – Supporting hurricane victims through food distribution, housing support, and recovery projects.
11. Mennonite Disaster Service – Assisting with home repairs and reconstruction in hurricane-damaged areas.
12. Adventist Community Services – Providing emergency relief supplies, shelter, and other critical support to communities.
13. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance – Offering spiritual care, financial aid, and volunteer support for recovery and rebuilding.
14. World Vision – Mobilizing resources and providing emergency assistance, including shelter, clean water, and hygiene kits.