Helping Hands After the Storm In the United States
April 15, 2026
Helping Hands After the Storm In the United States
April 15, 2026
When Hurricane Milton struck Florida in October 2024, John never expected his family would be displaced from their home for a year and a half.
A single dad living in Pinellas County, Florida, John returned to his house after evacuating to find three feet of water inside. He had to arrange temporary housing for his family. Once the waters receded, John reached out to his insurance company for guidance and held off on addressing the water-damaged walls until the next steps were clear.
As the condition of his home became worse, John knew he needed to act. For several months, John and his parents slowly poured their own resources and time into restoring his home. They learned how to tear out and replace flooring, install new drywall, and more.
John and his family also learned they did not have to rebuild alone, thanks to Serving and Loving Together (SALT), a local disaster recovery agency. SALT assists survivors like John in the space between crisis and restoration. When team members at the agency heard about John’s story, they knew they could mobilize a team of student volunteers with World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) to help him complete his repairs.
During their spring break, students studying social work, ministry, and other academic programs at Kuyper College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, spent a week volunteering in Pinellas County. At John’s house, they spent days painting; installing cabinets, closets, and windows; and completing other repairs alongside a grandfather and granddaughter duo from DRS’s volunteer program.
The group’s helping hands meant the world to John. “We can get back into our home so much quicker thanks to [the volunteers] pitching in however they can,” John shared. He checked in on the students throughout the week and even provided pizza as a thank you to them for helping to restore his home.
For the volunteers, spending a week in service of God’s kingdom was a great way to bolster their Work College experience. Through the Work College initiative at Kuyper College, students participate in a work-service-learning program related to their field of study. For those in service-oriented fields, volunteering is a valuable opportunity. “While studying to be a youth pastor, this volunteer work energizes me to continue my studies and to work to make a difference with my future vocation someday,” one student shared.
This spring break, World Renew DRS mobilized 32 volunteer teams like the Kuyper College students to repair homes in disaster-impacted communities across North America. Through each story of survivors assisted, homes restored, and communities strengthened, we are grateful to those who have joined World Renew DRS as we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
When Hurricane Milton struck Florida in October 2024, John never expected his family would be displaced from their home for a year and a half.
A single dad living in Pinellas County, Florida, John returned to his house after evacuating to find three feet of water inside. He had to arrange temporary housing for his family. Once the waters receded, John reached out to his insurance company for guidance and held off on addressing the water-damaged walls until the next steps were clear.
As the condition of his home became worse, John knew he needed to act. For several months, John and his parents slowly poured their own resources and time into restoring his home. They learned how to tear out and replace flooring, install new drywall, and more.
John and his family also learned they did not have to rebuild alone, thanks to Serving and Loving Together (SALT), a local disaster recovery agency. SALT assists survivors like John in the space between crisis and restoration. When team members at the agency heard about John’s story, they knew they could mobilize a team of student volunteers with World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) to help him complete his repairs.
During their spring break, students studying social work, ministry, and other academic programs at Kuyper College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, spent a week volunteering in Pinellas County. At John’s house, they spent days painting; installing cabinets, closets, and windows; and completing other repairs alongside a grandfather and granddaughter duo from DRS’s volunteer program.
The group’s helping hands meant the world to John. “We can get back into our home so much quicker thanks to [the volunteers] pitching in however they can,” John shared. He checked in on the students throughout the week and even provided pizza as a thank you to them for helping to restore his home.
For the volunteers, spending a week in service of God’s kingdom was a great way to bolster their Work College experience. Through the Work College initiative at Kuyper College, students participate in a work-service-learning program related to their field of study. For those in service-oriented fields, volunteering is a valuable opportunity. “While studying to be a youth pastor, this volunteer work energizes me to continue my studies and to work to make a difference with my future vocation someday,” one student shared.
This spring break, World Renew DRS mobilized 32 volunteer teams like the Kuyper College students to repair homes in disaster-impacted communities across North America. Through each story of survivors assisted, homes restored, and communities strengthened, we are grateful to those who have joined World Renew DRS as we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
We have a place for you!
Want your school, church, family, or workplace to volunteer with World Renew DRS? Contact our Groups Program Manager at [email protected] to get started.
