Georgia Baptist crews assist with hurricane recovery

More than 50 volunteers from Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief have landed in Crestview to help homeowners clean up the damage in the wake of Hurricane Isaias.

The volunteers are using Live Oak Baptist Church as a headquarters and expect to remain in the area for up to two weeks, providing free cleanup services to homeowners in and around Crestview.

Jim Croome with the organization says they were asked to help Florida Baptist Disaster Relief following the storm.

“We help each other. When Helen came up through Georgia a couple of years ago, a lot of states came and helped us, and so we just give back.”

The volunteers are helping homeowners remove fallen trees and other debris from their properties. Crews also have the capability to temporarily tarp damaged roofs until a more permanent solution can be made.

Croome says that the group has two skid steers as well as tractors and an excavator to remove the fallen trees and move them to the street where the city can collect the debris.

The organization can work on private property once the owner signs a release to allow the work.

They prioritize homes where trees are sitting on the roof, especially those that have holes, as well as other owners who are trapped inside or cannot access their driveways because of the debris.

Croome adds that seniors, those with special needs and first responders also have top priority.

Once a request is made, the organization will send an assessment team to figure out what is needed and how to appropriately respond. Depending on the situation, assessment and cleanup work can take place within one to two days.

The volunteers have specifically been assigned to Crestview. However, if the organization determines there is a greater need elsewhere, they could be reassigned later.

Croome says the organization also takes care of its own team members, allowing them to be self-sustaining while working in the area. They have an administration team and provide meals, laundry and other services, including chaplains and family care.

Their entire operation is volunteer-based, with their supplies and equipment coming from money raised by their state Baptist associations.

Again, there is no charge for their services to homeowners.

Croome, who has responded to disasters in Texas, Kentucky and Indiana, says helping communities recover is an important part of the organization’s Christian mission.

“It’s just loving on people and having opportunities to take care of them and do stuff for them and opportunities to tell them about Jesus Christ,” Croome said.

Anyone needing assistance can visit the Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief center at Live Oak Baptist Church at 4565 Live Oak Church Road in Crestview or call 678-899-9479.