By Aaron Weaver

DECATUR, Ga. — CBF Disaster Response has formed a partnership with a local congregation to set up a response and recovery site to receive volunteer teams in a Florida panhandle community devastated by Hurricane Helene.

CBF Disaster Response will receive volunteer teams at the Friendship Chapel Church of God in mid-November in Steinhatchee, Fla., a small and underserved community of predominantly retirees. The community has limited access to essential services with the nearest gas station and grocery store located more than 20 miles away and with only one restaurant in the area. This partnership with a local congregation in Steinhatchee is in collaboration with CBF Florida and the Caribbean Islands.

CBF Disaster Response invites small teams of up to 10 volunteers. Volunteers are needed to meet immediate community needs including:

• Clean-Out and Debris Removal – There is an urgent need for cleaning up homes and properties affected by Hurricane Helene.
• Damage Property Removal – Volunteers will assist with the removal of damaged items and building materials from homes and businesses.
• Roof Repair – Special attention is needed for roof repairs, particularly on mobile homes which have sustained significant damage.
• Light Carpentry Work – Minor repairs to homes and facilities are necessary to restore functionality and safety.
• Trauma Counseling and Chaplaincy Services – Given the significant emotional toll of the hurricane on the community, trauma counseling and chaplaincy services will be critical for the residents. The closest community social worker resides in Gainesville, Fla., 70 miles east of Steinhatchee.

Those interested in serving the Steinhatchee community are invited to contact CBF Disaster Response at dr@cbf.net.

CBF Disaster Response also encourages financial support to purchase needed supplies for the response and recovery site in Steinhatchee.

Donations will be used to purchase cots, linens, towels, blankets, pillows, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, office supplies, tarps, clean-up buckets and Bibles.

“Please pray and be prepared to join us in an opportunity to service in Steinhatchee,” said CBF Global Missions Coordinator Laura Ayala. “Please contribute as you are able to make these needed items available as soon as possible.”

CBF also invites volunteers to serve with its Disaster Response partners in Virginia and North Carolina.

Please give generously by following this link