Divine Disaster Relief

Rebuild #9️⃣ got steps to the inside of her home yesterday! It may seem like a small project but it means so much more 🏡 A huge thank you to Disaster Assistance Relief Team of NC and Bob Bittner for organizing these volunteers!

Because together, we can make a difference 🫶

Thankful Thursdays here at DDR 🙌 Rebuild #7️⃣ footers have been dug! This home is directly behind the Swannanoa River, even closer than Rebuid #6️⃣. We are praising today!

A huge thank you to our partners! Without these organizations, constant collaboration and community, these rebuilds wouldn’t be happening ♥️

Because together, we can make a difference 🫶

Shoutout to the following partners:

- Divine Disaster Relief case manager Celestiel East Balson
- General Contractor Kenny Myus with Mountain Home Renovations
- for sponsoring our building materials
- In partnership with Swannanoa Christian Church

Help Jackie & Cynthia Purchase a New Home After Hurricane Helene:
These two precious ladies have a remarkable story of resilience. Jackie (74) and Cynthia (75), often referred to as the "Mattress Sisters," have an astounding "storm story". They miraculously survived Hurricane Helene after being swept away on a mattress on a river in Fairview, NC. Their house was involved in a mudslide. They lived downstream from a logging company, which pelted their home with logs, which caused it to collapse around them. While trapped under a large pile of debris on the river, Jackie felt the presence of God wash over her and fill her with peace as He assured her that they were going to be OK and that he would rescue them. The rushing waters swept them and their small dog approximately four miles down Garren and Flat Creeks. With logs hitting the side of the house at 80-90mph. They survived for two days before volunteers found them in the rubble and were taken to the hospital and treated for injuries and dehydration. Almost 2 years later, after being promised a home by others, they are still living in a shed that was donated to them early on. They are discouraged, but have not lost hope.

We have been standing by their side and assisting where needed, as they make decisions for their future. After almost 20 months of disappointment and broken promises, they have had time to reevaluate and would feel most secure relocating to a new home in an area that was not affected by the Hurricane. Their land and the river hold a lot of trauma for them, and what they need now is safety and security. With the help of a local realtor, we have found them a precious home in Buncombe County that is closer to community support, doctor's visits, and loved ones. They have had to delay much-needed surgeries that will help with chronic pain and mobility issues because of the uncertainty of housing.

Today, we have an opportunity to do more than provide temporary relief; we can help give them a permanent place to call home.

We are raising funds to help Jackie and Cynthia purchase a safe, modest home where they can rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and peace of mind.

Every donation will help cover:

- The purchase of a replacement home
- Closing and relocation costs
- Essential household furnishings and appliances
- Accessibility and safety needs
- Other recovery expenses related to rebuilding their lives

No gift is too small. Whether you donate $10 or $1,000, you become part of a community helping two survivors move from disaster to restoration. Every donation, share, and prayer brings them one step closer to having a front door of their own again.

If you have ever wondered how to make a direct difference in someone's life, this is that moment. Together, we can turn a story of loss into a story of restoration. Let’s rally around them and help raise much-needed funds to get them HOME safe and sound!!!

Celestiel East Balson
Lauren Athey Dellinger

Link here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-jackie-and-cynthia-purchase-a-new-home-after-hurricane-helene

All donations received to this linked fundraiser will go directly towards purchasing Jackie and Cynthia’s home. We’ll be posting updates as the journey continues!

Because together, we can make a difference 🫶

A quick update from the flash flooding that we experienced in WNC earlier this week: We responded to residents needs in both Henderson and McDowell Counties.

- There were many flooded driveways and washed out roads.

- We know of one home that was flooded in Greton but thanks to wonderful volunteers, it was mucked out same day!

- A roof caved in on a home in Nebo and we’re working with another local org to get this home demoed quickly as it beyond repair.

- Gerton and Bat Cave experienced landslides, washed out roads and failure of temp bridges.

- Chimney Rock River and banks held! Which was a major concern while the weather came down.

There is still standing water and drainage issues all over and more rain in the forecast this week. We are very thankful that the home damage was minimal. However, the stability of roads and terrain is something still very concerning. Hurricane Helene hit 20 months ago, but the shift that the 100 year storm did to our mountains and land is something we’ll be repairing for decades to come.

But, together we can make a difference 🫶

We’ve been checking in on our residents in Bat Cave, Chimney Rock and Gerton this morning and throughout last night. These areas suffered flash flooding, many were evacuated and a lot of areas that were in the rebuilding phase were washed away. Roads and infrastructure are so fragile. Sending prayers up to WNC, PTSD is real and last night many felt it ♥️

Because together, we can make a difference 🫶

(Not our photo, one circulating in our disaster relief world)

Remember Rebuild #6️⃣ that we posted about in April? It’s a rebuild close to the Swannanoa River that we ran into roadblock after roadblock with the elevation certificate and geotech engineer being needed for the footers.

Well fast forward 6 weeks later, she is framed, roof on, siding going up! A HUGE thank you to Stormaid (an Amish organization) for providing the labor. Also, this build would not be possible if it wasn’t for Swannanoa Christian Church! 🏡

Because together, we can make a difference 🫶

Shoutout to the following partners:

- Divine Disaster Relief case manager Celestiel East Balson
- General Contractor Kenny Myus with Mountain Home Renovations
- Mennonite Disaster Service
- In partnership with Swannanoa Christian Church

A HUGE ‘thank you’ to for their generous donation this weekend. Our case manager, Rae has been working hard behind the scenes with Jeff from 4 Good Community, the past two months organizing this donation. They delivered to 13 households in 5 different counties, furniture for their rebuilt or repaired homes! And then hosted a community drive at providing household essentials to WNC families on Saturday.

We are SO thankful for this partnership and look forward to working with them in the future! 🏡

Because together, we can make a difference 🫶

Join us!

🛍️ BIG Shopping Day at The Blessing Project! 🎉

Join us Saturday, May 16th from 10 AM – 2 PM at BOTH the Blessing Barn & the Bargain Barn!

✨ FREE essentials at the Blessing Barn
✨ Extra freebies provided by
✨ Bargain Barn Yard Sale featuring $1 & $2 items
✨ PLUS 25% OFF all items over $5

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come shop, save, and support a mission that gives back to our community every single week. ❤️

📍 112 Lytle Cove Rd
Swannanoa, NC 28778

One location. Two stores. Tons of deals. A whole lot of community. We can’t wait to see you there!

In the partnership with the incredible

Rebuild #9️⃣ is getting a roof on this week! One step forward to bringing this resident home since she lost everything to Hurricane Helene! Partnerships and collaborations with local organizations and churches are what makes this all happen ♥️

Because together, we can make a difference 🫶