 News One mobile home park in Asheville is undergoing a bit of a facelift. Hurricane Helene ravaged the community last fall, leaving some homes unlivable. But that pain was relieved in part earlier this month when Samaritan’s Purse provided two brand-new mobile homes to families who have lived here for years.
Renee Hensley’s house was the first to be dedicated on the morning of July 11. Her church family joined her for the ceremony. As they toured the house together, many of the community embraced her and teared up as they watched Renee enjoy her new home.
Renee has lived in the park since she was 6 years old, in a couple different homes on the property. She talked about how meaningful it is that she has been able to return here after the flood and not start over somewhere new.
On the night of the hurricane, she had gone to stay with her sister. The storm hit them, and they lost power for a while, but her sister’s house was safe.
On Sunday after the storm, Renee returned to her home to survey the damage.
“I didn’t think there was a lot of damage until I got inside. And then you could see where everything was just ruined,” she said. “And you think then, ‘Where do you go from here? Where do you start?’ So, we just started praying and praying about it every day.”
The tragedy of the flood, along with the encouraging relief response offered by Samaritan’s Purse, spurred Renee to start attending church again. She had not been in a long time, but since October, she has become a faithful participant.
“And if … you don't know who God is, you really need to give your life to God,” Renee said. “Because if we hadn't had Him in the prayers and people praying for us, I don't know where I would've been. And since the storm happened, I've rededicated my life to Christ.”
Glad to Be Back
The second mobile home dedication was for John and Karen Thorpe. They lost their furniture and many other belongings to the flood, including special keepsakes and Christmas decorations. However, they had a place to stay at Karen’s sister’s home while Samaritan’s Purse worked on replacing their home.
“We’ve had several floods here, but none as bad as Helene,” John said.
They have lived at this mobile park for close to 40 years. Their house and one small shed on the property contained almost everything they owned.
Moving back in, the couple talked about some of the things they are looking forward to. “We missed our neighbors here,” John said. “We’re glad to be back in our neighborhood. So thankful for everybody that participated making it happen. We’re truly thankful.”
Paid in Full
A strong sense of community was evident as many neighbors joined in the joyful dedications led by Samaritan’s Purse staff. So many people embraced Renee, John, and Karen to celebrate their new homes. Renee’s church family also took part in the ceremony, praying for her and her new home.
“It’s all through God’s grace,” John said during the dedication.
Each homeowner was presented with a “PAID IN FULL” plaque, a Billy Graham Bible, and a set of keys to the home. And each ceremony ended with a prayer of blessing over the homes and families.
“I can’t thank everybody enough,” she said through grateful tears. “The Lord has been so good to me.”
John and Karen talked about their deep thankfulness to the Samaritan’s Purse team. They said that throughout the process, there have been many unexpected blessings. “We didn’t know that they were going to give us the bed set, dishes, pots and pans, or silverware,” the couple said.
Tim Palacios, a Samaritan’s Purse foreman on the project, prayed to close the ceremony. “I pray over this home, Lord, that it would be set apart,” he prayed, “for fresh perseverance and fresh life.”
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