Tampa, FL (September 30, 2024) – When Hurricane Helene made landfall on Thursday, the tiny coastal town of Steinhatchie, Florida was essentially decimated. What the winds didn’t knock down, the ten feet of storm surge flooded. Residents were then cut off from the rest of the world with roads completely inaccessible.
For days, not even relief organizations could get through. Finally, Salvation Army mobile feeding units have been able to set up at the Steinhatchie Community Center and provide hot meals to community members working to clear out the rubble.
Teams of Southern Baptist Chaplains, partnered with The Salvation Army, loaded up with meals and carried them into what remained of the neighborhood. Amidst the smell of saltwater mingled with rotting vegetation, the chaplains offered hope, comfort, and encouragement alongside a hot meal and water.
Shellshocked community members spoke of their experiences. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” said one man who has lived in Steinhatchie for over 70 years. He spoke of his experience during the storm and taking refuge in the tiny community church. “I know the Lord kept me alive. The winds were over 140 mph. At one point, even the concrete building shook.”
Despite the devastation, many residents are determined to rebuild. The Salvation Army is honored to come alongside this community as they process their grief and start to rebuild.
