Hurricane Helene, once a Category 4 storm, roared through the Big Bend area of Florida and into Valdosta, Georgia, on September 26, bringing destruction in the middle of the night. As a Category 2-3 hurricane, its winds reached speeds of 100-111 mph, leaving hundreds of roads impassable, millions without power, and devastating vast swaths of the region’s timberlands. This marked the third hurricane to strike the area in just six months, following Hurricanes Idalia and Debbie.
The Georgia Forestry Commission reported staggering losses: 88% of the affected land was privately owned forestland, with 1.47 million acres suffering major damage or total loss. Pine and hardwood forests, vital to Georgia’s economy and forestry sector, were hit hard, with an estimated $1.28 billion in damages. Many landowners who depend on these working forests for retirement or college funds face financial ruin. Meanwhile, in the greater Valdosta area, 933 homes were damaged or destroyed.
In the wake of Helene and the subsequent Hurricane Milton, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) mobilized nationally, gathering situation reports from impacted areas across the Southeast. The Pacific Northwest (PNW) Conference was assigned to support the South Georgia Conference in responding to the crisis. Early Response Teams (ERTs) from nearby areas initially focused on clearing debris and restoring access for families.
Two and a half months after the storm, a six-person ERT from the PNW Conference arrived on December 8 to provide much-needed relief. Representing Fairwood, Shelton, and Stanwood UMCs, the team worked through South Georgia Recovery Manager Chris Ramsey and partnered with Site Coordinator Ted Warnock, a trusted UMC connection from prior disaster response efforts. The team stayed at Camp Tygart in Ray City, just north of Valdosta, serving as a base for their week-long mission.
Camp Tygart is a United Methodist camp that has been hosting ERT teams for the past year and a half. Camp Director Rev. Jerry Hudson shared that they have hosted numerous groups from across the country over that time. While the camp is not directly involved in the response work, he described the opportunity to offer response teams a comfortable location to work and stage as a “truly rewarding experience for us.”
With the recent storms, the camp itself was impacted.
“While we were lucky with only having minor structural damage, we were overwhelmed with downed trees, limbs, and other debris. Many teams would work off-site during the day and then assist with cleanup at Camp Tygart in the evenings. The PNW team worked two full days here, removing large trees and debris piles that remained. Thanks to their efforts we have been able to keep our costs for debris removal to a very bare minimum. I cannot thank them enough.”
In addition to their efforts at Camp Tygart, the PNW team traveled two hours north to McRae-Helena to assist the small rural church, Mt. Olivet UMC, with tree debris removal. They also supported local property owners; these efforts included hauling tree fall debris for a survivor in Helena whose property access had been severely impacted.
In total, the team contributed 264 volunteer hours, hauling debris cut by Ted Warnock and clearing pathways for recovery. For two of the PNW ERT members, this was their first time working in a disaster area.
Kathy Bryson, PNW Conference ERT Coordinator, shared that on at least two occasions, their team was stopped by locals who noticed their bright green team shirts and asked, “Where are you from?” After sharing where they were from and describing what they were doing, words of deep gratitude and stories were offered.
“We don’t always see the stories that are so meaningful,” shared Bryson as she described one of the interactions. One of the men they spoke with shared how his nephew had lost 21 of their 23 chicken coops during the most recent hurricane and planned to rebuild their farm. Similar stories of loss and resilience abound across the area.
Even months later, the devastation from Hurricane Helene was striking. Fallen trees remained a stark reminder of the storm’s power, while damaged and destroyed homes highlighted the immense challenges survivors faced. Though the number of volunteer teams in the area had decreased, the PNW ERT’s efforts were deeply appreciated by local leaders and the community.
Over the past several years, church disaffiliations have dramatically impacted parts of our United Methodist connection, including South Georgia. Being able to rely on a network of trained volunteers is a gift we are blessed to be able to offer to United Methodists thousands of miles away, just as volunteers have arrived in our conference to serve where help and hope were needed.
“Flying in from across the country, our team was part of a ‘second wave’ of volunteers,” shared Kathy Bryson. “Knowing that other teams will arrive to offer support is a gift to those coordinating these complex and lengthy recoveries. It’s a testament to the strength of the connectional church and the power of showing up when called.”
How You Can Help
UMCOR continues to support recovery efforts in Georgia and other areas affected by recent disasters. Donations, prayers, and trained ERT volunteers are vital to ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts. For more information, contact your local UMC or visit the UMCOR website.
You can also prepare yourself to help in the future. An Early Response Team Basic Training is being offered on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Bothell United Methodist Church. This opportunity will prepare you on ways to clean out a flooded home, haul debris, sift through ashes and work alongside survivors while staying safe. Click here to learn more and to register for this opportunity.
Special thanks to Kathy Bryson and Rev. Jerry Hudson for their contributions to this story. Appreciation also to ERT Team Members Joe Meyers, Don Milo and Bill Bigbee-Hansen for providing the accompanying photos.
