NC non-profit builds free new homes who lost everything to Hurricane Helene

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- After Hurricane Helene, thousands of families across western North Carolina were left with shattered homes and little help from insurance to rebuild. But one North Carolina-faith based nonprofit, Samaritan's Purse, is giving many of those families a reason to hope again.

Among them is Asheville resident Andy Massachi, whose home was destroyed when massive trees came crashing down during the storm. His wife and three children were inside at the time.

Though they escaped unharmed, the family was left shaken and with nowhere to live. The thought of rebuilding felt impossible for Massachi until a friend told him about Samaritan's Purse, and he applied.

The non-profit agreed to build him a new home for free, and it will even be furnished.

"It's really mind-blowing. We can't even understand how we're in this situation," Massachi said.

Samaritan's Purse was one of the first groups on the ground after Helene, initially helping with cleanup before shifting to long-term rebuilding efforts.

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Asheville resident Andy Massachi's home was destroyed when massive trees came crashing down during the storm. His wife and three children were inside at the time.

Jason Kimak with Samaritan's Purse said their mission is to make sure families know they're not forgotten.

"There's hope, and we're going to help them in this rebuild process to get them back on their feet," Kimak said.

So far, the group said it has completed six new home builds, placed 30 mobile homes, and approved more than 100 additional projects in western North Carolina.

Volunteers have been the backbone of that work.

Julene Smith, who traveled from Wisconsin, was in North Carolina just days after Helene hit, volunteering with Samaritan's Purse. A year later, she's back to help.

"I know we do it for the homeowners, but it's also such a wonderful, wonderful experience for us," Smith said.

For the Massachi family, the new home is nearly ready, and they expect to move in next week. They said the gift has changed their lives.

"It gives you a feeling that there are still people out there who will help if you need it-and that's not something you see often in today's world," Massachi said.

Samaritan's Purse said its rebuilding efforts will continue for years to come, because the need left behind by Hurricane Helene is still so great.

If you need assistance due to Helene, you can still apply for assistance here.