HR 111: Interfaith organizations and volunteers involved in disaster cleanup efforts; commend

This House resolution recognizes the role that interfaith and religious organizations played in disaster recovery efforts across Georgia, particularly after Hurricane Helene. It cites reports that tens of thousands of volunteers contributed more than one million volunteer hours clearing debris, repairing homes, and assisting residents in some of the hardest-hit areas. The resolution states that the House of Representatives commends these groups and encourages continued cooperation among communities to respond to future disasters. It also directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the leaders of the interfaith organizations involved. As a resolution rather than a bill, it does not change Georgia law, create programs, or spend state money; it is a formal statement of appreciation.

• Formally recognizes and commends interfaith organizations and volunteers for disaster cleanup work following Hurricane Helene and other disasters.
• States that volunteers contributed more than one million total volunteer hours clearing debris, repairing homes, and assisting residents.
• Encourages continued support and collaboration among communities to improve future disaster response and recovery.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to leaders of the interfaith organizations involved.

The resolution names interfaith and faith-based organizations and their volunteers, including out-of-state groups from South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida, along with Georgia homeowners affected by disasters and the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who must distribute copies.

While the resolution creates no new funding, requirements, or legal changes, it gives official state recognition to volunteer disaster relief work, which may raise public awareness of faith-based recovery efforts and encourage similar cooperation during future disasters in Georgia.

• The resolving clause commends interfaith organizations and volunteers for their contributions to disaster cleanup efforts in Georgia.
• The resolution encourages continued collaboration among communities to strengthen future disaster response and recovery capabilities.
• A further resolution directs the Clerk of the House to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to leaders of the involved interfaith organizations.
• The whereas clauses cite reports that volunteers logged more than one million hours after Hurricane Helene, working in the most impacted areas.

1. 2025-01-29House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-01-29House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-01-29House Hopper (House)

• Lehman Franklin (R, HD-160)Primary sponsor
• Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)
• William Werkheiser (R, HD-157)
• John Corbett (R, HD-174)
• Leesa Hagan (R, HD-156)
• Rob Clifton (R, HD-131)

• disaster relief
• Hurricane Helene
• volunteerism
• faith-based organizations
• legislative commendation