Over 300 Volunteers Rebuild N.C. Houses, a Community Center Destroyed by Hurricane Helene: ‘They’re Helping Us Restore Our Lives’

In a heartwarming display of community support and resilience, volunteers came together to rebuild houses and a community center in Asheville, North Carolina that were destroyed by the devastating Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The initiative, which was led by The Home Depot Foundation, saw approximately 300 volunteers from various organizations such as the Appalachia Service Project, 365 Connect, and ToolBank Disaster Services, joining forces to restore the affected areas.

The Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing poverty, hunger, and homelessness, received a much-needed facelift as part of the efforts. The volunteers worked tirelessly to install kitchen appliances, update offices and therapy rooms, build custom murals, and frame walls for future homes. The impact of their work went beyond physical reconstruction, as it provided hope and a sense of normalcy to the community members who had been severely impacted by the natural disaster.

Among the volunteers were individuals like John Richard Talbot Jr., a former Marine Corps member, who expressed deep gratitude for the support received. He noted, “I feel very thankful and happy… that they’re helping us so much.” The sentiment was echoed by Michael Christopher Maria, an Army veteran, who described the assistance provided as “totally amazing” and expressed his awe at witnessing the restoration of lives unfold before his eyes.

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall near Perry, Florida, resulting in over 200 fatalities across several states in the southern region of the United States. The aftermath of the hurricane left a trail of destruction and displacement, underscoring the importance of community efforts and solidarity in times of crisis. Despite the challenges posed by such natural disasters, the spirit of resilience and compassion displayed by the volunteers serves as a beacon of hope for affected communities.

Since the calamity struck in 2024, The Home Depot Foundation has been actively involved in providing disaster relief support to communities in need. With a commitment of $8.5 million towards relief efforts in 2025, the foundation continues to extend its support to regions grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters. By packing thousands of relief kits and engaging in on-the-ground reconstruction projects, the foundation exemplifies the power of collective action in rebuilding and restoring communities in distress.

The collaborative efforts of volunteers, non-profit organizations, and disaster relief agencies showcase the best of humanity’s capacity to come together and make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by adversity. The story of the Asheville community’s resilience and the unwavering support they received serves as a poignant reminder of the strength that lies in unity and compassion. As communities continue to recover and rebuild in the wake of natural disasters, the actions of these volunteers stand as a testament to the transformative power of solidarity and collective action.