Hurricane Helene Response
Next month will mark one year since Hurricane Helene, and shortly thereafter, Hurricane Milton, devastated areas of the Southeast. Made possible by the generous financial support of IOCC donors, over 330 dedicated volunteers have cleaned out and repaired 79 homes. Additionally, Frontline volunteers, who give emotional and spiritual care to survivors, provided support to over 440 storm-affected individuals.
In the book “The Deep End of Hope: In the Wake of Hurricane Helene,” author Emma Churchman documents her experience in the first 40 days following the disastrous storm. A resident of Gerton, NC, one of the storm’s hardest hit regions, Churchman speaks of “catastrophe compassion,” a common phenomenon of people responding in droves eager to serve in times of crisis. But over time, that initial wave of compassion begins to fade. News cycles shift, volunteers return home, and survivors are often left with dwindling support as they face the long and difficult road to rebuilding.
IOCC remains committed to walking alongside storm survivors long after the initial emergency response. We have the opportunity to show them they are not forgotten. Whether through clearing debris, swinging a hammer, laying down flooring, or painting walls, we can extend catastrophe compassion into lasting recovery — and in doing so, fulfill God’s call to serve our neighbors in need.
Archdeacon Paul Zaharas
US Country Representative
On the Ground: Hurricanes Helene and Milton – Action Teams
This summer, IOCC volunteer teams have been working hard at Mr. David’s house in eastern Tennessee. He and his wife lost their home of many years after a storm surge from Hurricane Helene flooded the property. Due to the extensive damage, the home was condemned, forcing them to move into a nearby trailer. With the help of FEMA funding, they were able to begin building a new home on the property — but the interior remained unfinished and unlivable. In partnership with a local long-term recovery group, IOCC volunteers have stepped in to help complete the work. Our teams have been installing drywall, laying flooring, and getting the home ready for Mr. David and his wife to move in.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities & Home Builds
IOCC is committed to a two-year response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. As 2025 comes to a close, volunteer opportunities are open through September 2026 in Florida and eastern Tennessee. If you are interested in joining an IOCC Action Team, please complete the Action Team interest form at iocc.org/actionteam. You can volunteer as an individual or assemble a team to volunteer together. No skills are required to join the Action Team — just a willingness to learn and participate! Our skilled Action Team Leaders will be on-site to guide you through every task and ensure you’re confident in your work. To schedule a group or sign up as an individual, please reach out to Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812. Help us bring hope and lasting change to families rebuilding after disaster!
For more up to date information on hurricane preparedness, visit Disasters Happen. Prepare Today.
Awareness Events
Interested in planning your own event to raise awareness about IOCC? Get one on the calendar today! We’d love to help you organize, so please contact IOCC’s Outreach Team at or outreach@iocc.org or 410.243.9820.
Check for updates at iocc.org/events. And thank you for partnering with us!
- September 6 – Cleveland, OH: 5K to Benefit IOCC
- September 28 – St. Louis, MO: 23rd Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
- October 4 – Chicago, IL: 19th Annual Walk to Benefit IOCC
- October 4 – Raleigh, NC: Pig Picking BBQ to Benefit IOCC
- October 18 – Akron, OH: 5K to Benefit IOCC
- October 26 – Indianapolis, IN: Dinner to Benefit IOCC
- October 26 – Philadelphia, PA: 14th Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
- November 2 – San Francisco, CA: Annual IOCC Food and Wine Tour
- November 15 – Charlotte, NC: Annual Fundraiser to Benefit IOCC
Stay Connected to IOCC Online!
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and our Latest Updates page to keep up to date with IOCC news, view event photos, and get a firsthand look at how your support is changing lives around the world.
