DRUSA (Disaster Relief USA) and M25 (Matthew 25) have seen hundreds of volunteers come out to serve and work alongside those affected by Hurricane Helene. Rick Haug, Director of DRUSA, said that his “hope in humanity has been restored” as he has witnessed the outpouring of love from the people of the IPHC. He called the response to Hurricane Helene thus far “the greatest single response” he has seen from the IPHC in his tenure as director.
DRUSA Logo
Haug shared that DRUSA and M25 have served more than 16,000 meals at three separate locations, one in South Carolina and two in North Carolina. The team will head to Spruce Pine, North Carolina, from November 11 to 15, where Haug anticipates they will serve another 10,000 or more meals. These meals are prepared for first responders, volunteers, and citizens of the towns and surrounding areas.
SC Mobile Feeding Crew in Graniteville, SC
Haug always speaks highly of those he works alongside, but he was especially complimentary of Gary Burd, Director of M25. Their intentional efforts to help and support one another in their projects by joining forces have proven successful, and the results have been powerful. Haug also spoke highly of Bishop Oris Hubbard from the North Carolina Conference, Bishop Morris Smith from the South Carolina Conference, and Bishop Mike Ainsworth from the Cornerstone Conference, saying that these three have been instrumental in organizing, delegating, and supporting the efforts made by DRUSA and M25.
DRUSA and M25 Crews
DRUSA and M25 Crews
DRUSA and M25 Crews
DRUSA and M25 Crews
Haug explained that after the first seven to ten days, the volunteer efforts changed from disaster relief to recovery relief, working on restoration and moving forward. When asked what supplies are still needed, Haug shared that they have more than enough bottled water and clothing, even sharing that most distribution centers have closed down. As power has been restored in several areas, the most urgent need is for dehumidifiers. Homes that were flooded require drying out.
Many people have reached out asking about Christmas gifts for the children affected by the storm, but Haug says it’s a little too early to start collecting. He encourages churches to wait a few weeks, and then the time will be right to start thinking about Christmas.
Haug shared that IPHC has “Lived up to our moniker of ‘Place of Hope. ‘People of Promise.’” saying that pastors and missionaries from around the world were among the first to give. Director Haug exclaimed that the last few weeks have been a “great expression of what the IPHC can do!”
DRUSA Truck
DRUSA Mobile Shower
The needs from Hurricane Helene are still significant. To support the Hurricane Helene relief efforts through DRUSA, please visit: https://give.iphc.org/project/drusa
