Becky’s experiences with the volunteers included enjoying the chatter and laughter that rose from the basement as the volunteers worked. It was a welcome change, Becky noted, from the quietness in the house after her husband passed away.  When she was feeling broken with grief and loneliness, the joyful, servant-hearted attitude of World Renew DRS volunteers helped restore a part of her weary spirit.

Before completing the work on her home, World Renew DRS presented Becky with a decorative plaque that simply said Hope. It is given as a symbol of the hope and restoration we have in Christ.

Becky is one of many High River residents that World Renew DRS has had the privilege of serving since historic flooding two years ago forced more than 100,000 residents in southern Alberta from their homes. In a 2013 damage assessment, it was estimated that the flood impacted 70% of homes in the area’s most affected communities.

After the water receded, families returned home to badly damaged houses that were filled with mold, debris, and destruction. They and those involved in the response realized that the road to recovery would be long.

“World Renew DRS has made all the difference for homeowners who experienced the most flood damage,” says Sarah Bruinsma, a case manager for World Renew DRS in High River. “Many people would not be able to fix their homes and return to them without our help. They would have had to walk away from the property or sell it.  Others we helped were not in as dire a situation, but our help allowed them to recover with less significant hardship.”  

World Renew DRS has been active in the flood response in High River since the early days after the disaster occurred. World Renew DRS has completed the following activities there at this two year point.

  • Initial clean-up shortly after the flood
  • Mold remediation
  • Surveys to  identify struggling homeowners and their needs
  • Case management that helped qualified families get assistance
  • Development and execution of the long-term recovery efforts
  • Construction coordination
  • Reconstruction services

World Renew DRS is grateful for grants we received from the Canadian Red Cross and the Town of High River, donations from individuals, churches, and businesses, as well as support from the Alberta provincial government and partnerships with other responding organizations that have made it possible for many families to return to safe and secure homes.

Volunteers have been an essential part of the recovery process in High River.

“As I reflect on the two years that our volunteers have been helping the people of High River, I can tell by the reactions of the homeowners we have helped that our volunteers have been the hands and feet of Jesus there,” says Ron Willett, director of World Renew DRS. “What an amazing testament to folks who have suffered so much that our dedicated volunteers will pack up for  three weeks to give their time and skills to repair homes as a ministry of the love of Christ to people they don't know.

“I want to thank each volunteer who has served in High River. Many have been there several times. We are so grateful to you, and I thank our Lord for you. Your impact on the entire town of High River has been an example of Christian love.”

Today, High River is in the process of constructing an extensive diking system to prevent another flood from happening in southern Alberta in the future. “The dikes and berms have been built one meter above the crest of the 2013 flood,” says Bruinsma. “The system provides a much needed sense of security for many High River residents,” says Bruinsma.

World Renew DRS is in the process of finalizing a number of home reconstruction projects in preparation for closing the High River reconstruction site this fall. Click here, to learn more about the High River flood response and read additional stories.