By Keeta Bell, Regional Communications Manager

A year after Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast, a quiet but transformative effort has been reshaping lives in Augusta — a long-term recovery grant from the American Red Cross, powered by the tireless works of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

The grant, made possible by donor generosity, was designed to fill the gaps left by traditional aid and insurance, especially for families who were uninsured, underinsured or simply overwhelmed in Richmond, Columbia and McDuffie counties. In Augusta, it became a lifeline.

“We knew we could afford one case manager,” said Rev. Scott Parrish, Disaster Response Coordinator for the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church. “But we quickly realized we’d be facing hundreds of cases. The Red Cross grant allowed us to hire three case managers. We’re already working on about 100 rebuilds. We’re really grateful for the Red Cross for making that possible.”

UMCOR, known for its grassroots approach to disaster recovery, was able to use the grant to expand its resources. The organization began working directly with homeowners whose properties were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene’s winds and flooding. Many had been living in unsafe conditions for months, with no clear path forward, until now.

“Recovery truly starts locally and ends locally, so rebuilding and strengthening community capacity are both essential,” shared Miriana Robinson, Community Recovery Manager, Long-Term Recovery for the Red Cross. “A grant like this makes that possible — it helps families not only rebuild their homes but also rebuild their sense of stability and hope.”

That hope is visible in homes where repairs are finally underway and in the voices of those who never thought help would come.

Kim Sharpton, whose home was severely damaged, said he was stunned to find himself receiving assistance. “Basically, when the hurricane leaves the news cycle, in my mind, it's over. I now realize the impact doesn’t end after the news cycle. People are dealing with it for months and months on end, trying to sort through the red tape and just get things organized again. I didn't ever think it would be me. But it is me right now. I'm having this experience and I'm so glad that help is here. I'm so glad that the safety net exists.”

Claudia Davis, another homeowner, recalled the night Hurricane Helene struck. She was unable to move her legs when her daughter rushed in to rescue her. “She grabbed one leg, then the other, and pulled me over,” Davis said. “She said, ‘Where’s the wheelchair?’ She put me in it and started backing me out of the room. As we crossed the threshold, the whole roof landed right where I had just been.”

Her voice breaks. “But God wasn’t ready for me yet.”

These stories are just a glimpse into the hundreds of lives still recovering across Augusta. With the Red Cross grant, UMCOR is helping families return to their homes.

“In helping to rebuild and repair homes that have been damaged, these grants ensure that people affected by these disasters do not fall into poverty,” said Thomas Fairley, executive director for the American Red Cross of East Central Georgia. “And that they have the most basic need, which is shelter.”

Building on its commitment to long-term recovery, the Red Cross, together with community partners, launched programs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee after Hurricane Helene to reach the hardest hit areas. When resources allow, thanks to the generosity of donors, these efforts help provide direct financial support for those impacted by the storm, grants for local organizations and other services to help families and neighborhoods rebuild in the weeks, months and years ahead.

“This partnership with UMCOR is a great example of our strategic focus on collaboration, resilience, and restoring stability for disaster-affected families,” said Dr. Affie Ben-Edet, Senior Community Recovery Manager, Georgia & South Carolina Long-Term Recovery for the Red Cross.

“UMCOR’s deep local ties and volunteer-driven model complement our efforts to build capacity and resilience at the community level. Together, we are not just rebuilding homes, we are restoring hope, stability and dignity for survivors of Hurricane Helene in the impacted counties."

Working with partners, these programs create a strong foundation for lasting recovery, helping communities not only rebuild but emerge stronger for the future.

As Augusta continues to recover, the Red Cross-UMCOR partnership stands as a model of what long-term disaster relief can look like – local, personal and deeply transformative.