When Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented flooding to western North Carolina in September, many people were left struggling without power and clean water for weeks. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) faced backlash for their slow response and mismanagement of funds, but one global Christian charity stood out for their immediate action and life-saving relief efforts.
Water Mission, a nonprofit based in Charleston, South Carolina, sprang into action as soon as they saw their fellow Americans in need. Their president and CEO, George Greene IV, told the Daily Caller News Foundation that “anytime there’s a need in the [United States], as a [United States] organization, our hearts are drawn to trying to figure out how we can help.” This has been a real special relief effort for us for being able to do that.”
🎥 Our Disaster Response Team is headed to western North Carolina with generators and supplies as we respond to devastating flooding in the area caused by Hurricane Helene.
🔗 https://t.co/QrivpNbJPU pic.twitter.com/B82r1g69Si
— Water Mission (@water_mission) September 28, 2024
Water Mission, whose mission is to provide safe water solutions to developing countries around the world, is no stranger to disaster relief. Since 2001, they have helped over 8 million people in 60 countries, including previous disaster responses to Hurricane Katrina and Winter Storm Uri in Texas. And when Hurricane Helene hit, they were prepared to jump in and help once again.
While FEMA faced criticism for their slow response, Water Mission wasted no time. They mobilized an on-the-ground disaster relief team the day after the storm hit and began distributing generators and water purification packets to those in need. They also installed water treatment systems in some of the hardest-hit communities, providing safe drinking water for up to 5,000 people a day.
But their impact didn’t stop there. Water Mission also stepped in to help Asheville public schools reopen after the hurricane left the city’s water undrinkable. Dr. Maggie Fehrman, superintendent of Asheville city schools, praised Water Mission for their help, stating that their water filtration systems allowed them to reopen schools faster and with full instructional days.
The school district had initially requested bottled water, but Water Mission went above and beyond by offering to install water treatment systems in the schools instead. And the impact of their generosity and innovation didn’t go unnoticed. Fehrman told Christianity Today that the entire Water Mission team, from their CEO to their local response team, was a joy to work with during this difficult time.
Water Mission is providing safe water to schools in Asheville, NC, so that students can resume their education following Hurricane Helene. Hear from Jen with The Franklin School of Innovation as she explains how the water is serving this community! pic.twitter.com/RMWiH61kBT
— Water Mission (@water_mission) November 20, 2024
In contrast to the criticism faced by FEMA, Water Mission’s actions during the Hurricane Helene response are a testament to the power of individual and private organizations to make a positive impact during times of crisis. Their dedication to providing clean water and essential resources to those in need is a true example of humanitarian aid in action.