Residents Living In Eric Church’s Hurricane Helene Relief Community Share Heartwarming Updates
on • Updated
Hurricane Helene Displaces Thousands
In September of 2024, Hurricane Helene displaced thousands of people and claimed hundreds of lives, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the mainland U.S. in decades.
The storm caused catastrophic flooding across western North Carolina and other parts of the Southeast, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
Many country music stars stepped in to provide aid, including the “Concert for Carolina,” a benefit event organized to raise money for those impacted the most.
The night brought together major country music stars and other performers to support hurricane relief efforts, helping families and communities recover from the devastation.
The concert took place on October 26, 2024, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, and featured Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban and other artists.
During the concert, Church also announced plans to build 100 homes for those who lost everything due to the hurricane. The effort, titled Blue Haven, was made possible through his charity, the Chief Cares Foundation.
“Our mission in North Carolina is to be here for the long haul. We are going to start by immediately building homes for 100 families in Avery County and the surrounding areas, and keeping these communities preserved and rebuilt. We’ve come up with a Blueprint for the Blue Ridge. We are also helping to address longer term needs like creating jobs, rebuilding schools, and supporting local businesses,” Church said at the time.
Located in Avery County, North Carolina, the housing initiative aims to provide families with a stable place to live without the burden of rent or mortgage payments, according to their website.
Under the original plan, eligible residents would live in their homes for 10 years before ownership was transferred to them. Through Blue Haven, Church said he hoped to help hurricane survivors rebuild their lives while preserving the communities they call home.
Watch Eric Church discuss the inspiration behind Blue Haven below.
Families Give An Update On Living In Eric Church Sponsored Community
In a new heartwarming YouTube video, those living in Church’s funded community shared an update on what life has been like in their new homes.
“The first day it really hit us was when they told us to come look at the house, and come see the community that you’re going to be apart of,” one recipient said.
Others shared that having the new house gives them a sense of “stability” and “relief.” The first 12 families have officially moved into their homes, with the remaining 26 families expected to move in over the next several months.
“Like just this weight off my shoulders just lifted off just because this is going to be amazing for our family and just the future looks so much brighter,” another resident shared.
According to Blue Haven, all 37 homes are being provided mortgage-free and rent-free to community heroes, including teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and others who dedicate their lives to serving Western North Carolina.
You can watch the incredible families who have been blessed by Blue Haven below.
