CLENDENIN, W.Va. — The first anniversary of the 2016 Flood has passed, but the recovery work continues in earnest in northern Kanawha County.
All this summer, one organization — Next Step Ministries — is bringing middle school, high school and college student volunteers on mission trips from across the U.S. into Clendenin for work days.
Those trips will likely continue into the fall.
“We need people to continue to come for years because this is going to be a really long effort going forward,” said Hannah Kessler, a Next Step organizer.
At this point, Kessler said their work in Clendenin is shifting away from homes.
“With all of the things going on and with different programs offered to homeowners, we were seeing some businesses, but also nonprofits in the area not getting the assistance they needed,” she said.
In the coming months, Next Step volunteers will be focused on community development projects like remodeling the entire Clendenin Little League facility and work on a “kayak house,” what will be the home base for a future nonprofit putting kayaks on the Elk River.
Clendenin Mayor-Elect Shana Clendenin has said economic development is a key part of Clendenin’s long-term recovery.
Kessler said those with Next Step are listening. The organization’s projects are selected at the community level.
Going forward, Kessler estimated Next Step Ministries could be working in northern Kanawha County for the next five to ten years.
“Really, we just listen to the community and say, ‘What do you need?’ And if we’re still useful here, then we’ll be here,” she told 580-WCHS.
Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Kessler relocated to Clendenin after the flood where she said she has been wholeheartedly welcomed.
“I’m not from here and so to move into a community to do flood relief and then meet people who become family to me is really incredible,” she said.