Rebuilding Hope: Work Teams Needed in Griffin and West Point Areas

Dr. Stephen Redmond of our Conference Disaster Response Warehouse helps with roof work on a home near Griffin.

In the aftermath of early 2023 tornadoes that swept across our state, North Georgia United Methodists are working with partners to bring hope and recovery to those affected — particularly those in hardest-hit areas around West Point and Griffin. 

With 20 ongoing projects and more in the pipeline, now is the time for church work teams to join the disaster recovery effort.

Whether you are a seasoned team leader or an individual with a heart for service, there's an opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact.

Signing up is easy – just visit this link to register as a volunteer. Nearby teams can consider driving in for a day of service, while church partners are offering overnight housing at local host congregations for those who stay overnight. Teams are encouraged to make a “mission trip” out of the work and serve for a few days! 

West Georgia UMC Youth volunteered near West Point this week.

“Volunteering in early 2024 is especially timely as we approach the one-year anniversary of the January 12 tornadoes,” said Rev. Scott Parrish. Conference Disaster Recovery Specialist. “Many of these families we are working with have been displaced for almost a year.”

The recovery work is made possible thanks to our partnership and generous grants from UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief), the ELCA, and Catholic Charities. With those funds the North Georgia Conference has assembled a team of trained, skilled staff, who, with the assistance of church work teams, are able to assist homeowners who fit the criteria of our grants. 

The stories of those who have been helped so far paint a poignant picture of the challenges faced by tornado survivors.

Mr. Smith from West Point, shared his struggle after the tornado with our team member Jessika: "I was comfortable in my life and always lived a simple life. I've always been a working person from 14-63 years old, when I retired early as I started to have health problems. I've always kept my bills paid, but didn't have a lot of money. Only had a small amount in retirement and never lived a lavished lifestyle. Then the tornado hit and I didn't know what to do. I feel like forty-one years have been a waste since the tornado."

Another family in Butts County, the Jacksons, had moved into what they planned to be their retirement home just months before the tornado struck. A large pine tree fell on their modest home, causing significant damage and health concerns due to mold. Ineligible for FEMA assistance and without homeowners insurance, they were left in a desperate situation. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteer teams, the home was repaired, and they could once again live safely without fear.

"I am so grateful for everything. I have been trying to make sure this isn't a dream. Thank you and everyone else for your support and kindness," said Mrs. Jackson to our team member, Katie. "The work y'all do is life-changing. The United Methodist Church is awesome!"

In Locust Grove, a tornado survivor shared her journey: "I unfortunately suffered major damage to my double-wide mobile home... I'm on disability and raising my teenage granddaughter with no help. I prayed for God to show me what to do, and it was to rebuild it. He has sent so many wonderful Christian people to help me that it confirms that he wants me to stay there."

The impact on the United Methodist church staff and volunteers who have had the opportunity to serve these families has been transformative as well.

The North Georgia United Methodist Conference is calling on individuals and teams to join this mission.

Your time, skills, and compassion can make a world of difference for those here in our own Conference who have lost so much. Together, let's turn despair into hope and rebuild the lives of our neighbors.

​Sign up today at https://www.ngumc.org/longtermrecovery.