High school tiny home project finished for Helene victim

YANCEY COUNTY, N.C. — Sherry Housley, a 74-year-old cancer survivor, lost everything in Helene.

“I live on Social Security and what little artwork that I can create to bring in extra income,” said Housley. “But I knew I would not be able to rebuild here.”

But once she met Stephanie Johnson with Rebuilding Hollers, that all changed. Housley was picked to be the first recipient of the Mountain Heritage High School’s carpentry class tiny home build after Helene.

“I think early on it was like, yeah, sure,” said Housley. “But then she showed me. And that just blew me away. And I thought, “there’s no way that’s going to be, that’s going to happen for me.” 

The house was delivered to Housley’s family property back in September. 

Now, just three months later, she’s able to greet all of those who helped make this house a home.

But as much as Housley loves the house, what she loves even more is how it was put together. From the high school carpentry class, to the local contractors who finished the project.

“I think about all the people that had to come together to do that, make that happen,” said Housley. “I’m trying to convince myself still that it’s mine. It is just mind-boggling.”

A community effort, led by Rebuilding Hollers and Stephanie Johnson.

“It’s all of my dreams coming true for my community,” said Johnson. “Because if I can do it once, I can do it 45 more times or 100 more times, or however many more times I need to get everybody home.”

As for Housley, she’s just grateful. 

“It’s a new beginning,” she said. “It’s a total flip from what, you know, I’ve had for the last year.”

Housley’s house marks the 131st finished project for Rebuilding Hollers since the storm hit.

Johnson says that doesn’t mean their work is done. She says they still have 400 more home rebuild and home repair projects across Yancey and Mitchell counties.

She hopes people will continue to give their time and resources to help rebuild the mountains in the new year.

Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.