North Carolina Disaster Recovery Site Celebrates First Volunteer Group, Invites Others

A dedicated team of volunteers from the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ recently traveled to the mountains of North Carolina to assist communities still recovering from the devastating 2024 Hurricane Helene. These volunteers, part of the Katahdin Association’s effort, focused their energy on tangible support, addressing immediate needs arising from the deluge that once submerged homes by up to six feet.
Their initial task involved helping homeowners salvage and clean doors and structural components removed to prevent mold damage. Rev. Bruce Burnham and Pam Burnham, coordinating this effort from Maine, worked alongside the volunteers to sand, clean, and repaint these items, preparing them for reinstallation by the residents. This hands-on approach exemplified the practical neighbor-love central to their mission.
The High Country UCC, situated in Vilas, provided crucial support by preparing a designated housing space for volunteers, facilitated through the UCC Global HOPE’s Hurricanes 2024 appeal. This location served as the first official volunteer site for the United Church of Christ in the ongoing recovery, marking a significant step in offering structured assistance to those affected.
On March 15, just days before the Maine volunteers arrived, High Country UCC hosted a special commissioning service to dedicate the volunteer housing facility. The Rev. Bruce Burnham, with a long-standing history of coordinating disaster recovery efforts spanning over two decades, ensured the volunteer group could worship with the congregation on their arrival, aligning with the Christian principle of welcoming the stranger.
Two members of the UCC National Setting’s Global HOPE team, Katie Howe and Rev. Kelly Burd, were present at the commissioning service. Rev. Burd noted the palpable warmth and informal hospitality from the community, reflecting a gracious spirit characteristic of welcoming those who seek to help.
Eighteen months have elapsed since Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impact, transitioning the immediate relief phase into a critical period for long-term recovery. Katie Howe highlighted the “hidden devastation” that persists, underscoring the continued need for meticulous support and attention to the ongoing rebuilding efforts.
High Country UCC is now actively inviting other volunteer groups to utilize the available spaces this summer and fall, continuing the vital work of community support. Their dedication to aiding neighbors in need continues to be a cornerstone of their outreach, embodying the call to serve others found in Matthew 25:35, where Jesus instructs his followers to care for the least of these among us. This commitment to tangible mercy work, as encouraged by Galatians 6:10, remains essential in the face of enduring challenges.

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