When flooding damaged homes across Hamilton County this summer, families faced more than wet floors and ruined belongings. They were confronting unexpected expenses, uncertainty and the overwhelming question of how to put their lives back together.
But amid the destruction, something powerful happened: Neighbors showed up for neighbors.
For SERVE Village, a Noblesville-based nonprofit with a 15-year history of bringing people together through service, the flooding became an opportunity to put its mission into action on an unprecedented scale. Led by Executive Director Patrick Propst, the organization mobilized volunteers, coordinated resources and connected families with people ready to lend a hand.
“SERVE Village is an asset-based, community-driven nonprofit built on a simple belief: When neighbors serve neighbors, it becomes second nature,” Propst said. “Our mission is to connect people, strengthen neighborhoods and create meaningful opportunities for service.”
Although the organization has long served Hamilton County through SERVE Week, neighborhood projects and community celebrations, the flooding introduced its work to many new residents and volunteers. According to Propst, more than 500 homes were affected, and approximately 300 households have requested assistance. Since Aug. 14, SERVE Village has deployed 3,800 volunteers across the county on various projects, helping at 170 homes and properties in Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero, Noblesville, Fishers and Carmel.
Behind those numbers are families working to salvage belongings, repair their homes and regain a sense of normalcy.
“We’ve walked into homes where families lost nearly everything, and we’ve sat with neighbors facing hard questions about what comes next,” Propst said.
The initial response focused on removing damaged belongings, cleaning flooded homes and clearing debris. Now, families are beginning the more challenging work of rebuilding. Home repairs, financial assistance and continued community support are among the greatest needs.
Propst said the recovery could take as long as three years, making sustained volunteer involvement and financial contributions especially important.
A COMMUNITY THAT ANSWERED THE CALL
In the days following the flooding, SERVE Village helped transform the Hamilton County Fairgrounds into a volunteer staging and resource hub. At the request of the mayor, the organization became the central point for coordinating volunteers, working alongside Hamilton County Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, local municipalities, township trustees, United Way of Central Indiana and numerous faith-based and community partners.
Volunteers filled a variety of roles, from helping affected residents and sorting donations to preparing meals, assisting with administrative work and providing mental health support to residents and first responders.
Churches, businesses, mosques, civic groups and volunteers from across Indiana and beyond joined the effort. They removed damaged furniture, cleaned homes, cleared storm debris and delivered supplies. Local businesses contributed meals, equipment, materials and financial assistance.
For Propst, the heart of the response has been connecting people who need help with those willing to provide it.
“The most powerful thing has been connecting neighbors directly with neighbors,” he said. “A few hours of help can save a family thousands of dollars, and it also tells them they aren’t facing this alone.”
That helping hand can provide more than physical labor. It offers reassurance to families that their community has not forgotten them.
THE WORK CONTINUES
Although the initial emergency response brought an outpouring of support, SERVE Village is encouraging residents, businesses and community organizations to remain involved.
The nonprofit needs skilled volunteers and contractors for repairs and remediation, businesses willing to donate materials and equipment, and financial contributions to help families cover recovery costs. Office and warehouse space is also needed to support the long-term effort.
Whether someone can give an afternoon, contribute supplies or commit to helping throughout the recovery process, every contribution matters.
Volunteer opportunities are available at ImpactHamCo.com. To learn more about SERVE Village or make a donation, visit SERVEVillage.org or email info@servevillage.org.
