The North Carolina state disaster relief warehouse in Statesville has recently become a critical training ground, equipping Adventist Community Services (ACS) teams from around the North American Division with the skills necessary to manage disaster response operations effectively. This initiative, held throughout March, focuses on preparing volunteers to oversee multi-agency warehouses (MAW) that receive and distribute essential supplies to disaster survivors in their communities.

Charlene Sargent, disaster services director for the Pacific Union Conference and one of the instructors for the training, explained that this program is part of a broader effort to develop a comprehensive resource for ACS warehouse management teams. These warehouses, managed in partnership with FEMA, state emergency management agencies, and local governments, ensure that donated supplies are organized and efficiently distributed to those in need.

The importance of this type of work was highlighted by the visit of Josh Stein, North Carolina governor, to the Statesville warehouse on March 11, 2025. He was given a tour of the over 635,000-square-foot facility, showcasing the scale of operations. David Graham, ACS director for the Carolina Conference, shared with him the history of the collaboration between the agencies and answered questions about warehouse operations. Alongside representatives from FEMA and state emergency management agencies, the governor assessed the operations and recognized the collaborative efforts between the state, ACS, FEMA, and other partners in managing disaster relief effectively.

"We have an agreement with FEMA to be the experts, the subject matter experts, in donations management to provide these services," said Sargent. “But we’re trying to develop the document to help our management teams be able to do a better job and train folks."

Approximately 10 students from across the North American Division, including some from Alaska and Canada, arrive for hands-on warehouse management training each week. Beyond learning logistics and inventory systems, they experience real-time disaster response work, allowing them to apply their knowledge immediately. These trained volunteers will return home with the ability to organize and lead relief efforts in their communities.

Beyond learning management duties, trainees are also given firsthand experience in sorting, categorizing, and distributing donations according to what is requested. Without this crucial step, relief efforts would be significantly hindered. "If you don't know what's in the box, you can't just hand it to someone and say, ‘Well, here, whatever's in it, see what you can use,’" Sargent emphasized. "This is a key part of being effective in meeting the needs."

ACS relies primarily on volunteers, making this training essential for building a strong, ready-to-deploy workforce. "We would love it if we could staff at all with our Adventist membership," Sargent noted. "But there hasn't been enough interest, so we're using volunteers from everywhere. We are usually the management team, but we could certainly use a lot more volunteers who understand that the work we do here is beneficial for all of the survivors."

As the Statesville warehouse remains a vital hub for immediate relief efforts and long-term preparedness, volunteers are needed at all levels of responsibility, from sorting donations to assisting with logistics and leadership roles. Those interested in making a tangible impact in disaster relief efforts are encouraged to join this vital service network.

Disasters like Hurricane Helene, which prompted the need for the Statesville warehouse operation, leave many without homes, belongings, and a sense of security. The work there ensures survivors receive the essential supplies they need to rebuild their lives.

~Rebecca Carpenter is the Carolina Conference director of communication.