When the devastating hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the southeastern United States in the fall of 2024, local churches became beacons of hope and stability, providing important community resources. 

Partnering with Nazarene Disaster Response teams and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, local churches provided their communities with food, water, Crisis Care Kits, and cleanup supplies while volunteer teams provided practical and spiritual care. Focused on both immediate relief and long-term recovery, these efforts are continuing to help families rebuild and communities heal.

Thanks to your generosity, Nazarene churches and relief teams have been extending Christ’s love in tangible ways. These volunteers are making a lasting impact in storm-affected communities by addressing urgent needs and committing to restoration.

Largo Living Hope Church of the Nazarene in Florida was one of the churches that responded first in their community after the hurricanes. The congregation hosted Nazarene Disaster Response teams with other local churches, connecting volunteers with community members in need of debris removal and cleanup.

“I thought I had no words a few days ago. I have even less today,” explained one volunteer shortly after the response started. “We listened to survivors tell their stories of how they survived … Unbelievable stories of how they hid in bathrooms, under chairs, or anything they could find, as they watched their worlds be ripped apart. Today, we gave these residents a little hope. We were able to pray with them and just give them a shoulder to cry on.”

At Vero Beach Church of the Nazarene in Florida, volunteers served 500 meals to those recovering from the hurricanes alongside donated food from local communities and individuals. Support poured in from strangers, businesses, and neighbors who came together to ensure no one in need went without. Volunteers spent hours reaching out, offering not just meals but compassion and solidarity.

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