Habitat for Humanity, ASP build dozens of new homes for displaced families

KINGSPORT — Regional nonprofits Holston Habitat for Humanity and Appalachia Service Project have completed or begun work on more than 60 homes for people displaced by Hurricane Helene, amid plans to build even more. Habitat for Humanity has completed over 40 critical home repairs in Northeast Tennessee since beginning recovery work in November 2024, with 17 additional repairs currently underway, according to spokesperson Nick Karshner. The nonprofit is preparing to construct seven new homes for displaced families using funding from the American Red Cross and private donors. "The families we partner with are active participants in rebuilding their homes and their futures," Karshner said. "Every project represents hope renewed after loss." Appalachia Service Project has completed 11 new home builds and nine major repairs as of Aug. 8, with three additional homes nearing completion. The Johnson City-based organization has also committed to finishing 200 homes in affected local regions as part of ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. "Every home we finish represents not just a structure, but a life restored," said Ani Boyd, ASP's East Tennessee regional director. "We remain committed to continuing this work until the last family in need has a safe, warm and dry place to call home." Karshner said Helene destroyed 176 homes in Washington County and damaged more than 370 additional properties, causing an estimated $45 million in damages, according to official estimates. ASP reported that 50 more local homes "sustained significant damage." "Washington County demonstrated the greatest need [we noticed]," Boyd said. "This may in part be due to our home office being located in Johnson City and our prior involvement in flood recovery efforts in the Dry Creek area, which helped us connect quickly with affected residents." Recovery efforts span multiple counties across Northeast Tennessee and North Carolina. ASP said they are working in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Jefferson, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties in Tennessee, plus Avery and Mitchell counties in North Carolina. Karshner and Boyd emphasized the collaborative nature of local Helene recovery efforts, which have involved thousands of volunteers to assist with labor, and partnerships with major retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot that provide the materials necessary for construction. "The scale of our Hurricane Helene recovery has only been possible because of the incredible collaboration between our volunteers, community members, partner organizations and financial supporters," Boyd said. Karshner stressed the ongoing need for community involvement. "The scale of need remains significant. Our work is one part of a larger community recovery effort, and each home we repair or rebuild is a step toward restoring stability and resilience in our neighborhoods," he said. Both organizations said they will continue to accept volunteers and donations to support Helene recovery efforts. For more information about ASP's recovery efforts, visit www.ASPhome.org. To apply for assistance from Holston Habitat for Humanity or to learn more about the nonprofit, visit the nonprofit's website at holstonhabitat.org/helene-relief.