NORTH CAROLINA – For Joi McPherson and her family, their house wasn’t just a structure. It was a living legacy, filled with memories of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and years of love passed down through generations. Now, that legacy needs to be rebuilt in Asheville.
“My husband and his family have occupied this home since the ‘50s,” Joi explained. “Before my husband owned it, his father did. And before that, his father did.”
It was more than a home—it was a symbol of permanence in a world that often changes too fast. Leanne a different woman who also had severe damage to her home shared, “They started the house when I was about 5 or 6,” she recalled. “I remember roller skating on the foundation.”
She smiled at the memory, but the joy was bittersweet. The house that had once echoed with laughter and held the stories of their family history now stood scarred by floodwaters. For both women, the pain of seeing their generational home torn apart was more than physical—it was emotional, spiritual. At the time of the flood they could only hope their childhood home would be rebuilt in Asheville.
“All of our memories are in that house,” Leanne said. And in just one storm, so much was swept away.
When the Storm Hit
Raging floodwaters swept through their neighborhood, leaving destruction behind. Leanne’s voice trembled as she said, “We had to tear everything that was my real parents out of that house and start new.”
Riley West, an artist, lost not only her workspace but much of her art. “It was terrifying,” she said. “I had finished pieces in the gallery and in-progress work on my bench.”
Joi described the emotional toll: “It just sucked the good feeling out of your chest and put a lot of worry in there. Worry for… what are we going to do about this house? This is our home.”
The Hands and Feet of Jesus
That’s when Operation Blessing—and generous friends like you—stepped in. YOU gave so homes and lives could be rebuilt in Asheville!
“The cool thing about living through something like that,” Joi said, “is watching your community. Watching God’s people work with me. I just realized Jesus had that many hands and feet.”
Volunteers began the work of restoring homes, repairing damage, and simply being present. “You’re here to help us and make sure that WE’RE back on OUR feet,” Leanne shared gratefully. “And we know you’re going to be here for the long haul.”
Lives Rebuilt in Asheville
But the support didn’t stop with homes. Local businesses also received vital help—like a coffee shop run by Daniel
“To anyone that supported Operation Blessing,” Daniel said, “thank you! You’ve provided an opportunity for a business to survive and stay afloat.”
Riley West, an artist whose studio was destroyed by the immense flooding in the River Arts District, found renewed hope. “I’m able to continue to grow my business,” she said. “Even more than that, I’m able to feel the security of being able to provide for myself.”
You Made This Possible
Thanks to friends like you, homes were rebuilt, businesses reopened, and hope began to rise again.
“If I could talk to every donor,” Joi said, “I would hug every single one of them’s neck and say thank you for making a difference in my life, my neighbor’s life, my communities’ lives. Without the donors, we’d still be pretty close to square one. But here we are at square five! Isn’t that great?! This is so awesome!”
Help Disaster Victims Now
Your gift can help restore homes, revive businesses, and renew hope for families devastated by crisis.
