The water just kept coming up.

Last September there were several days of heavy rain, and then Hurricane Helene reached the mountains of Western NC with even more rain. Swollen rivers and creeks overflowed their banks and rolled through communities. Some homes and businesses were completely swept off the mountains, others quickly filled with water and mud.

Inside Wendell and Winnie's home in Hendersonville, the water just kept coming in. It reached their necks before their neighbors were able to help them escape the house. Their story echoes Miss Paula's experience, one of their neighbors who didn't realize her home was flooding until she needed to be rescued from the house in a kayak. That's how quickly the water came up, and how real the danger was for this community.

Before the storm, the residents of the Clear Creekside neighborhood were generally friendly, but there wasn't a strong sense of community. After the storm, almost every house on the street had been flooded. Some families quickly made the decision to move away. But those who remained grew closer than before.

ReachGlobal Crisis Response worked in twelve homes on this street over the past year, alongside other relief organizations. We hosted weekly cookouts so neighbors could connect with each other, with our staff, and with our local church partners. As the months rolled on we got the chance to celebrate with family after family as they moved back into restored homes. A trauma-based Bible study started at Winnie and Wendell's house after they were able to move back in, and now there are about 8-9 neighbors who continue to gather together to study God's Word. They even had a ramp built for their house so the Bible study would be accessible to all who wanted to join.

God is building community in Clear Creekside as the community is rebuilding homes. We are excited to hear the stories of how He is bringing people closer together and closer to Himself.

Volunteer teams make it possible for us to have a sustained presence in this community and the ones like it who are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. If your church is interested in sending a team to serve in 2026, email respond@efca.org for more information or to reserve your week.