Homes for Helene

NOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Over the past month, I had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated team of volunteers with the Hurricane Helene Airlift Relief effort. From a hangar at the Statesville Regional Airport, we unloaded, organized, and packed essential survival supplies for helicopters, planes, and ground transport. Although I could only serve for two and a half days, some volunteers worked tirelessly, giving all they had. I quickly realized that every single role—from breaking down boxes to loading the planes—was crucial to getting supplies to our neighbors in the remote mountains of Western NC and TN as quickly as possible, with some areas initially accessible only by air. 

Yet, despite the mountains of donated goods and the hands-on support of countless volunteers, it became overwhelmingly clear that even our combined efforts weren’t enough. Now, well over a month out from the hurricane, Western NC is still in dire straits. Many families in isolated areas remain without basic resources, and entire communities are far from recovery. This experience showed me how vital it is to keep showing up—because the road to rebuilding is long and requires sustained, ongoing support. 

The Homes for Helene Sticker Campaign with GoFundMe was my first thought to raise support. But after serving alongside the incredible team in Western NC, God placed it on our hearts (the hubs and I) to donate our family RV. This act marked the beginning of a meaningful partnership with United Carolinas Cavalry (UCC), as the RV now serves as a mobile unit for their crew, providing essential support where it’s needed most. Yet even after donating our RV, I was left with a sinking feeling that it still wasn’t enough. People still needed RVs, housing, and support. I knew I wanted to help multiple organizations and families, and that’s how the sticker campaign truly came to life—a way for everyone to chip in and make a difference. Since my GoFundMe has launched- we now have a Homes for Helene Campaign set up with United Carolinas Cavalry so we can track donations at the end of the year & provide tax write offs as requested. 

Now, for just a donation of $10, you can help support these ongoing efforts.  keep a visible reminder of this mission close. You will receive your honorary Homes for Helene Sticker/s as a visible reminder of our neighbors and their struggles.   Let it prompt you to pray for the families and communities working to rebuild. 

If you are donating a larger amount- please consider

The Mission: Evolving to Partnerships

 While I initially considered starting my own nonprofit, I decided instead to support two incredible organizations close to my heart: United Carolinas Cavalry in Statesville and The Gathering Church in Asheville.

• United Carolinas Cavalry (UCC) was born after the Statesville Hurricane Helene Airlift Relief effort recognized the continued need for support. UCC believes in the power of community to overcome adversity. Their mission is to provide timely disaster relief, rallying support through grassroots initiatives and collaborative volunteer efforts.
• The Gathering Church in Asheville has been on my heart for years; my friend April’s husband is one of their pastors, and April and I have been friends since serving together in Nicaragua 14 years ago. When the hurricane hit, I reached out to check on her, and she began sharing firsthand the devastation in Asheville and surrounding areas. I knew I had to support her and the church’s efforts to serve those communities hit hardest.

Staying Flexible as Urgent Needs Evolve

The needs on the ground are changing every day. While it seemed just two weeks ago that many were stepping up to provide RVs for families, the situation remains critical, and I’m still hearing of families in dire need. Also, with many volunteers coming to provide support the need for housing is crucial. At one point, we thought a Volunteer Hub would be the best way to support on-the-ground efforts, yet with each passing day, new priorities emerge. 

With your help, we can remain adaptable, responding to the most urgent needs in real time. Whether it’s providing temporary RV housing for families and/or volunteers or critical repairs for permanent homes, your donations will go directly toward creating a safe HOME for those in need.

By purchasing a Homes for Helene sticker, you’re supporting a campaign dedicated to evolving with this resilient community and making a real difference, one step at a time.