Former mayor and faith-based coalition line up Mennonite Disaster Services for long-term recovery work

Former Mayor Copenhaver addressed the Public Services Committee about the long-term recovery committee formed to coordinate post-Hurricane Helena rebuilding, saying the group is enabled by FEMA and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and is intended to evolve into a VOAD-style organization.

Copenhaver described a faith-based coalition that has already committed a range of national groups — Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian congregations and most notably Mennonite Disaster Services — to work in Augusta between November and March. He said the Mennonites indicated they want to focus on the "worst of the worst" cases: houses needing full rebuilds as well as major repairs.

The former mayor urged streamlined permitting and a clear intake process so homeowners in greatest need can be added to a queue for assistance. Commissioners and staff discussed integrating the committee's intake into the city's 311 system and noted work with Planning and Development to coordinate permitting and referrals. Team Rubicon and local homebuilders were also cited as active partners in recovery.

Copenhaver and commissioners emphasized outreach to seniors and other fixed‑income residents; commissioners asked for information they could share with constituents so residents who need help can enter the assistance queue. The group indicated it will prioritize properties based on need and will vet requests before assigning resources.

Commissioners thanked the former mayor and volunteer organizations for the coalition-building and requested continued coordination with the city to streamline referrals, permitting and volunteer deployment.