The road to Dream Maker’s Way

As nine new homes were dedicated on March 17—homes for families who lost everything to Hurricane Helene in September 2024—the small town of Douglas, Georgia, generated big headlines of hope.

As Douglas Mayor Tony Paulk put it, “We saw the hand of God on our community.” He opened the dedication ceremony for Sims Park, a small development built by volunteers from Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) and Northern Ohio Assisting Hands (NOAH), a volunteer group that operates under the MDS umbrella. Both partnered with The Hope Initiative, which drew in many other faith-based and community groups that also helped in countless ways.

In a town where Helene’s devastation never made the headlines, it would have been easy to get cynical about who was really going to help, said Douglas City Manager Charlie Davis. “But sometimes when a disaster happens, you see the hope in humanity,” he said.

The new development is named for the late Lee Sims, who was traveling to lend a hand in Douglas when he tragically lost his life in a truck accident.

Pastor Stephen Boyken, founder of The Hope Initiative, recalled that, when he arrived in Douglas 18 days after Helene hit, the community was still barricaded in by trees.

“I want every family here to know how much you’ve been loved,” he said. “But first I have to point to you the fact that you are loved by God.”

Boyken thanked MDS for providing resources, equipment, and relationships, and NOAH volunteers for making the 15-hour journey to build the homes. “What a beautiful image of what can take place,” he said. “There is a God that loves you and he can take the story of your storm and turn it into a story of redemption.”

In many ways, Sims Park was founded on the miracle of partnership, noted Lisa Mathews, executive director of The Hope Initiative.

“We could not have done this without MDS coming on board to coach us through this and, through NOAH, we learned that the relationships are family,” she said.

Rollin Ulrich, MDS regional board chair, spoke to the families as they received their keys. “When we think about your community, we’ll think about hope,” he said. “May God’s blessing hover over all our families as you continue to make these houses your homes.”

Wayne Yoder, MDS U.S. board chair, reflected that MDS never works alone. “Thank you to all the partners who make it possible for MDS to respond, rebuild, and restore,” he said.

Aaron Byler, cofounder of NOAH, marveled at the kinds of relationships that are built alongside the homes. “The most important thing in life is our relationships—our relationship with God and each other,” he said. “My outlook on life has been positively impacted and my faith has been strengthened.”

Byler especially thanked the families who are moving into Sims Park for their generosity. “It isn’t always easy to accept help,” he said. “I want to thank you for your gracious spirit. God blesses us so we can be blessings to others.”

By Susan Kim – MDS Writer