Rebuilding Western North Carolina
What began as a disaster recovery effort has grown into a blueprint for lasting impact.
Chief Cares is helping Western North Carolina rebuild stronger by providing mortgage-free homes to pillars of the community.
From crisis response to community renewal
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. Lives were lost. Homes destroyed. Entire communities were left reeling.
But in the face of heartbreak, something powerful happened: people showed up. Neighbors helped neighbors. Volunteers cleared debris and offered shelter. It became clear—this place is worth fighting for.
Chief Cares has always stood with people in need. In the aftermath of Helene, we launched a housing initiative to help people not just recover, but remain rooted in the place they call home.
Learn more about Chief CaresHomes for the helpers. Hope for the future.
As we began development of our first neighborhood, we quickly realized: it takes more than houses to rebuild a community—it takes the people who live, work, and lead there.
That’s why our new initiative offers rent-free, mortgage-free homes to educators, healthcare workers, and other pillars of the community across Western North Carolina—ensuring those who serve their communities can stay part of them.
Keeping the community intact has been my goal all along. And what we’ve learned these past several months is that offering long-term housing to the people who hold our communities together—from those whose homes were lost, to those who are critical to rebuilding—will bring the greatest impact.
Eric Church
Blue Haven opens its application to community pillars
New phase of housing initiative opens homeownership opportunities to educators, healthcare workers, and local public servants
Read the full announcement
New phase of housing initiative opens homeownership opportunities to educators, …
One year ago, Hurricane Helene brought Western North Carolina to its knees. Ho…
At Chief Cares, we believe rebuilding a community takes more than bricks and bui…
Avery County, NC (April 11, 2025) – Chief Cares, the nonprofit founded by countr…
A hand up
This isn’t a one-time donation. It’s a long-term investment in the people who make our communities strong.
Thanks to generous partners, donors, and volunteers, Chief Cares is building a future where the people of Western North Carolina can stay, serve, and thrive.
Donate now