When disaster strikes, it often brings out the best in humanity. This was profoundly evident when Hurricane Helean wreaked havoc across Western North Carolina, leaving many families displaced and communities in desperate need of hope and support. Out of this despair came an extraordinary act of generosity and resilience from an unexpected source: the Amish community of Pennsylvania.
Boone, North Carolina officials recently confirmed an awe-inspiring story of community, compassion, and selflessness. Sixty-two members of the Pennsylvania Amish community traveled hundreds of miles to Western North Carolina to help rebuild lives disrupted by the hurricane’s catastrophic storm damage. In just under 48 hours, these skilled craftsmen constructed 12 tiny homes for displaced families, providing not just shelter but also a renewed sense of hope and stability.
Say what you want about the Amish, but they can get things done.
The saga of hurricane recovery in Western North Carolina seems to be dragging on as slowly as you’d expect. While reports of zero federal government assistance to the area are at times drastically overstated, there’s no denying that the extensive damage done by Hurricane Helene back in September is proving to be even more difficult to bounce back from than was expected.
People from all walks of life have banded together to do what they can to support the efforts to rebuild communities lost in the storms. In country music, Luke Combs and Eric Church helped put together a massive benefit concert that raised $24 million, all of which was sent to “hyper-local charities originating & operating in WNC,” according to a statement from Luke.
Other country artists, such as 49 Winchester, also played benefit shows where the proceeds were sent directly to those in need. At the same time, Dolly Parton pledged $1 million, and many others got involved in sending and delivering supplies to the people who needed them most. But as time dragged on, the need for something more than money became more evident.
In short, people need housing, and they need it now. It’s never a good thing to be forced to sleep in tents or other makeshift structures, but now that January is basically upon us, the need for housing is ever more evident. Lowes and NASCAR teamed up to deliver over 100 tiny homes, and just now, a story is breaking: an unlikely group of people went way out of their way to pitch in.
According to the High Country Press, members of an Amish community in Central Pennsylvania heard about the devastation left behind by the hurricane when a resident visited Western North Carolina and returned to tell the tale. They then contacted Andy Owens, who had established a base camp in the Meat Camp Area of Watauga County. Owens helped coordinate the project, but the Amish collected money, supplies, and laborers and volunteered themselves for the Boone, NC community.
Sixty-two men, women, and children made the trip by bus, followed by five trailers filled with building supplies, tools, and equipment. (In general, the Amish avoid using modern technology, but they use various exceptions and workarounds to serve the greater good.) They arrived around noon on Tuesday, December 17th, and immediately got to work, erecting eight housing structures by 5 p.m.
Cleanup and recovery efforts are underway three months after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Unprecedented rainfall, winds, and flooding displaced hundreds of families. Volunteers have worked tirelessly to get those families into homes before winter weather causes further delays.
Andy Owens, who is no stranger to building projects due to his history with building base camps for Burning Man, was the point man for the Amish carpenters who traveled to North Carolina with their families and other volunteers. The group arrived with five semi-trucks filled with everything they needed for the job.
The High Country Press (HCP) reported that the group “brought and left behind 20 propane tanks, numerous tools, and five pallets of fire department supplies – hoses, axes, etc., which will be given first to Meat Camp Fire Department and distributed to others in the area.”
The Amish women and girls cooked and served food to the workers and handed out gifts, toys, and clothing items they had brought along by the full pallets.
Less than 48 hours later, the Amish returned to Pennsylvania, leaving behind 12 completed sheds donated by an Amish business. The estimated project cost was $300,000, and the Amish community donated it.
According to Spectrum News, the Amish were able to get the tiny homes 90% complete.
“They erected everything from the outside in, framed out the walls, framed out the roof, ran the electric,” Luc Henry, a local contractor, said. Henry has been helping to finish the homes and get them to people who need them most. The Amish group plans to return to the area in the coming weeks to build more tiny homes for those in need.
The Amish are known for their simple lifestyle, deep faith, and remarkable craftsmanship. Their building approach is efficient and effective, rooted in centuries of tradition and a strong sense of community. The tiny homes they constructed in Western North Carolina reflect these values, combining practicality with durability and comfort.
These homes, though small, are designed to meet the needs of families who have lost everything. Each one features a fully functional living space, including a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, ensuring displaced families have a place to call home as they rebuild their lives.
In a world often focused on individualism and material wealth, the Amish community’s actions are a powerful reminder of the importance of giving back. Their generosity goes beyond monetary contributions; it’s a gift of time, skill, and compassion. It’s a testament to their belief in helping others as a fundamental expression of their faith and humanity.
As Boone officials shared this story on X (formerly Twitter), it quickly captured people’s hearts nationwide. Comments poured in, applauding the Amish community for their selflessness and expressing gratitude for their incredible act of kindness. Many have been inspired to contribute to ongoing recovery efforts, proving that acts of goodwill have a ripple effect.
While the road to recovery for those affected by Hurricane Helean remains long, the impact of this project is immeasurable. These 12 tiny homes are more than just structures; they are symbols of resilience, compassion, and the extraordinary things that can happen when communities come together to support one another.
We in Greensboro, North Carolina, can learn much from the Amish and their unwavering support for Western North Carolina. This incredible act of community spirit and generosity must serve as a model for addressing critical issues, like homelessness, in our city.
Imagine if we embraced this spirit of unity and efficiency in Greensboro. The Amish have shown us that when communities work together, leveraging skills and compassion, solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems become achievable. It’s time we take inspiration from their example and think creatively about how to provide housing and support for those in need right here in our city.
As a resident of Greensboro and someone deeply connected to the broader North Carolina community, I am inspired and humbled by this incredible story. It reminds us of the power of unity and the profound difference we can make in each other’s lives.
To the Amish community of Pennsylvania: thank you for showing us what it means to care for our neighbors truly. Your actions have provided shelter and restored faith and hope to countless families during their darkest days. Let’s carry this spirit of generosity forward, supporting those in need and building a brighter future together.
In the words of an adage, “No one has ever become poor by giving.” The Amish community has exemplified this truth in the most inspiring way possible, leaving us all with a story we’ll never forget.
References:
WHISKEY RIFF – Pennsylvania Amish Build 12 Houses In Less Than Two Days For North Carolina Hurricane Victims
COUNTRY MUSIC FAMILY – Group Of Amish Build 12 Tiny Houses For Hurricane Victims In 48 Hours
Spectrum News – About 60 Amish community members from central Pennsylvania build 12 tiny homes in Boone, North Carolina, in just two days.
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Candidate for Greensboro City Council
