Homerville, GA (October 5, 2024)—When Helene hit the small town of Homerville, Georgia, it was an estimated Category 2 hurricane. A retired teacher lost her life when a tree crashed into her bedroom.
Senator Russ Goodman of Clinch County told the Clinch County News, “We’ve never had a hurricane this devastating. Hurricane Michael was bad, but it didn’t leave as big a footprint as this one. The winds we saw in South Georgia were unprecedented.”
The United Methodist Church in Homerville has served as a rallying point to provide much needed food and supplies. Many people in outlying areas of Clinch County are still without power.
“We got hit pretty hard,” said Reverend Joseph Carter. “No one expected the storm would be this devastating. We weren’t prepared in a lot of ways, certainly not emotionally and mentally for this.”
Hearing of the need, The Salvation Army responded with a canteen truck and two trailers packed with food boxes and cleanup kits.
“God Bless the Salvation Army,” one Homerville resident shouted from her car window.
“I was really impressed with the locals and church members who helped us,” said Captain Paul Ryerson, Incident Commander for the Valdosta response. “They knew everybody by name, and we were just able to get folks through the line.”
Cars were lined up in two lanes that stretched at least two city blocks in front of the church to receive supplies.
“It’s great The Salvation Army is here,” said Reverend Carter. “It is inspiring to see so many groups, local groups as well as groups from out of town come and provide this care for people. There is a wonderful spirit here tied to selflessness. We are all benefiting from that.”
Reverend Carter experienced firsthand the devastating impact of Helene. His home was destroyed when three huge pine trees crashed into it.
“We were inside when it happened,” he said. “It was a long night, but we came out the next morning and the sun was shining, and we realized we were unhurt and alive. That fuels us to say you know what, we’re alive for a reason so let’s get out here and help folks.”
Helping folks is what The Salvation Army continues to do in hard hit South Georgia. Since responding to Helene, the Valdosta disaster response team has provided nearly 30,000 meals and hundreds of cleaning kits and food boxes.
“I see God in your eyes,” a Homerville resident said while receiving a food box.
Captain Ryerson says he’s proud of the Valdosta Army disaster response team and the ability to provide much needed help, especially in rural communities like Homerville.
“I think Homerville can feel they can be easily forgotten, but I hope by us being there and bringing resources to them they know they are important too.”
