Building Stronger Foundations in WNC
Be part of a 5-year mission to restore homes and transform lives in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Dear Friends,
The road to recovery after Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina (WNC) in early fall 2024 is long and hard. First Presbyterian and the Piedmont Area Presbyterians (formerly Charlottesville Area Presbyterians) of Central Virginia have the chance to play a pivotal role for one family, Ryan, and Deena Edwards, and for others for years beyond. We will be joined by our partner, University Presbyterian Church of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, as we build a new home for the Edward’s family this spring and summer. Our multi-year commitment to this devastated region will present us with future opportunities to renovate existing homes damaged in the storm, clean up storm debris, strengthen community relationships and make life substantially better for families in WNC. With grace and humility, we can bear active witness to the deep compassion of God in Jesus Christ.
Ryan and Deena Edwards
As a first step in our recovery efforts, the First Pres Christian Outreach Committee and Session present the 2025 WNC Mission Recovery Project. This is a collaboration with local Presbyterian churches, community organizations in Western North Carolina, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), and the G-5 Collective of Old Fort, North Carolina. It marks the beginning of a five-year commitment to building, renovating, and restoring homes for families affected by Hurricane Helene throughout Western North Carolina.
At the heart of our mission is the story of Ryan and Deena Edwards of Old Fort, NC. When Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters breached their home—blasting through walls and forcing it off the foundation—the Edwards family was left with an uninhabitable home. Ryan, who serves as the maintenance director at Presbyterian Camp Grier, demonstrated exceptional commitment during the crisis by working sixty consecutive days to provide essential services to local residents during storm relief.
With the support of local McDowell County and other recovery funds, along with the assistance of the Old Fort Strong Fund and generous contributions from family and community, Ryan and Deena are now poised to rebuild their family home.
The Edwards house project is just the beginning of a five-year recovery initiative in Western North Carolina. Inspired by the lives changed post-Hurricane Katrina efforts, the First Pres Christian Outreach Committee—working with local agencies, ministries, and churches affiliated with the Piedmont Area Presbyterians—is committed in 2025 to providing safe, simple, dry, warm, and stable housing for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Our larger vision is to come alongside effected families, businesses, and communities in Western North Carolina, and provide lifelines of Christ-like support, in meaningful ways for five years.
Launching in spring 2025 and continuing through the end of 2029, this initiative leverages the energy and skills of volunteers and Presbyterian Churches from both North Carolina and Virginia. Our initial financial commitment includes $25,000 from the Mission & Benevolence Endowment’s income fund, with a total of $125,000 pledged over the next five years. Future rebuilding projects will be funded through partnerships with local non-profits, community groups, government agencies, Piedmont Area Presbyterian Churches, and generous member contributions. University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill has already added a generous grant of $25,000 to the effort in 2025.
Join Our Mission Work Trips
We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers of all skill levels to travel to Western North Carolina and help build a new home for the Edwards’ family. Our Charlottesville and North Carolina area Presbyterian mission groups will work under the direction of a local building contractor. A pre-trip orientation, including training and a safety briefing, will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 6:00 p.m. both in-person and via zoom, and again in May.
The Edwards’ home project includes two mission work trips, May 18-24 and May 25-31, 2025. You may sign up for one or both weeks of which there are 15 available spots per week.
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Spots Available: 15 per week
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Skill Levels: All are welcome, no prior experience necessary. Supervised by a General Contractor
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Work Days: Monday - Friday
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Meals and Lodging: Provided at Camp Grier
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Deposit: $300 (refundable) Financial assistance available
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Total Cost: Not to exceed $525
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Financial Assistance: Financial challenges should not hinder your desire to serve, assistance funds are available for those who need them
Register for the 2025 WNC Mission Recovery Project
May
18-24
Duties
Volunteers will come together to frame the floor, walls, roof, and porches
May
25-31
Duties
Install house wrap, siding, windows, and doors, along with additional essential finishing tasks
Your support can make all the difference in this transformative mission project. Whether you volunteer on the mission trips, contribute financially, or help spread the word about this initiative, every act of service brings hope to our neighbors in Western North Carolina.
For questions, contact Rev. Jay Sanderford, Covenant Pastor, First Pres Charlottesville, at jsanderford@firstprescharlottesville.org or (434) 466-1306.
The 2025 WNC Mission Recovery Project qualifies as a charitable endeavor and gifts may be directed through First Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, or Camp Grier/Old Fort Strong Fund of McDowell County: Camp Grier, PO Box 490, Old Fort, NC 28762. Memo: Old Fort Strong Fund-Edwards Home
Let us unite in faith and service to rebuild not just homes, but lives in Western North Carolina. Together, we can be the hands and feet of Christ in a time of need.
