God’s Pit Crew Provides 25 New Homes in Hurricane Helene Impacted Regions
All eyes were on Hurricane Helene as it made landfall as a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane along the Gulf Coast of Florida. However, no one was prepared for the widespread damage the storm would bring to the mountain towns of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Faith-based nonprofit, God’s Pit Crew – headquartered in Virginia – sped into action to assist its neighbors as the chaos of Helene unfolded, bringing deadly flooding and destructive tornadoes. Now, the long-term recovery arm of the ministry is working diligently to provide 25 new homes in impacted regions.
Here is a look at the incredible testimonies so far, and a look ahead at more to come…
Janet Sams – Newport, TN
Janet Sams, a longtime resident of Newport, Tennessee, tragically lost her home and all her belongings when the storm struck. With floodwaters rising and winds howling, the house she once called home was reduced to rubble. Despite the overwhelming loss, Janet remained steadfast in her faith and determination to rebuild her life, knowing that help was on the way. That’s when God’s Pit Crew stepped in. Moved by Janet’s story, the ministry committed to building her a brand-new home – this time safely elevated on sturdy stilts to protect against future flooding. Nestled along the scenic Little Pigeon River, the new house promised not just security, but a fresh start filled with peace, beauty, and God’s love. “I was overwhelmed with joy,” shared Sams on receiving the keys to her new home. “I thought, ‘Oh… this is mine!’ This group is amazing. They are literally God’s angels.”
Greene Family – Marion, NC
During the deadly storm, the Greene family narrowly escaped with their lives when their home, beautifully set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, was destroyed as their property slid off the side of the mountain. With only moments to spare, the couple managed to flee through a window, leaving behind everything they had known and loved. In the aftermath of the storm, the Greenes were left without a place to call home. But thanks to the selfless efforts of God’s Pit Crew volunteers, the Greenes recently began a new chapter in their lives as they received the keys to their newly built and furnished home in Marion, North Carolina. Turning around to see their new house for the first time, Brian and Melissa were rendered speechless. And then, through tears and excitement, Melissa exclaimed, “Oh it’s too pretty to live in! It’s like you crawled right in my head to see my dream home. It’s just so gorgeous!”
Blair Family – Ivanhoe, VA
Eric and Cathy Blair of Ivanhoe, Virginia, watched as their home was washed off its foundation by the deadly flood waters that plundered multiple states as a result of Hurricane Helene. Forced to relocate for the time being, the Blairs faced significant loss and the uncertainty of where they would find stability. Volunteer crews labored consistently in Southwest Virginia to provide a new home for the Blairs who had been displaced since the storm ravaged the area last fall. “It was the worst thing we’ve ever been through,” shared Eric Blair, reliving the storm’s initial impact. “The river kept coming up and it washed us off the foundation. It took everything we had.” After walking through the door of their new home, though, their spirits were lifted. “Words can’t express how we feel,” told Cathy Blair. “Thank you doesn’t cover it. We’re putting it [the storm] behind us and are ready to start over.”
Ralph Greene – Marion, NC
After losing everything in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Ralph Greene is finally home again in Marion, North Carolina. Taking it all in on the day his new home was revealed to him, Ralph shared: “I kept this acre, raised my three kids and they grew up and moved on. It’s home. It’s all I know. And this new home, it’s perfect – it’ll last me the rest of my life and I won’t have to do anything! I can just enjoy my time with my grandbabies.” Ralph’s words highlight the deep impact this new home has made in his life. The dedication, compassion, and hard work of the God’s Pit Crew partners, donors, and volunteers who helped on this project have turned a tragedy into another new beginning. Ralph summed it up best sharing, “It takes a special group of people. I love them all. The quality of people they are, the work they do – anything I could say would be an understatement.”
Linda Taylor – Galax, VA
Linda Taylor endured nearly seven months of displacement after the effects of Hurricane Helene enlarged the river near her Galax, Virginia, home – ultimately washing away her house. But now, Linda has stepped into a brand-new home and her reaction in the moment said it all… “Oh wow… how beautiful! It gets prettier as you go,” shared Linda as she walked through her front door. “I just can’t believe how good God has been – and God’s Pit Crew and the volunteers, number one, they are absolutely number one. My goodness gracious, I wasn’t expecting all this.” When asked how she felt about starting over in this new chapter, Linda said, “Look where I’m starting. What else could you ask for?” Only God could orchestrate something so powerful – and He did it through the hands and hearts of dedicated volunteers, a faithful church family, and a mission to provide love and restoration. For Linda, hope now has a new address – and Linda has a place to call her own again.
Fisher Family – Nebo, NC
After Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding to Western North Carolina, Brandon and Stephanie Fisher lost nearly everything. Living on the Catawba River, the family evacuated early on to be as safe as possible from the incoming effects of the storm. Upon returning home after, they found their home was left unlivable, and for months they lived in borrowed campers, unsure of what the future would hold. “We were just going through life. Being a husband. Being a wife. Being Parents. We didn’t expect to see all of that happen,” shared Brandon Fisher. “You want to be able to fix everything. To tell your children and wife that it’s all going to be alright, but I couldn’t do that. I didn’t know how everything was going to turn out.” Then, through the incredible partnership between God’s Pit Crew and Joyce Meyer Ministries, hope was restored. The Fisher family now has a brand-new home in Nebo, North Carolina – a fresh start and a safe haven where they can begin creating new memories together, surrounded by love and stability.
Additional Homes on the Way
God’s Pit Crew has provided 10 homes to survivors of Hurricane Helene so far this year, with multiple homes currently under construction and set to be revealed in the coming days. As part of the ministry’s ongoing hurricane recovery efforts, families in East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina have already received new homes. Looking ahead, homes are soon to be provided in several more communities, including Cosby and Del Rio (TN) – as well as Burnsville, Leicester, Old Fort, and Weaverville (NC).
For more information regarding God’s Pit Crew’s ongoing relief efforts, as well as opportunities to volunteer or donate to the cause, resources can be found by visiting GodsPitCrew.org or by calling (434) 836-4472.
