WPBN: Months after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene is still being felt in the region, a man from Virginia is assisting in the assistance of North Carolina locals.
A woodworker from Virginia named Bill St. Pierre has stated that he is resolved to assist those individuals who have lost everything as a result of the destructive storm.
He has been assisting with the removal of debris, the reconstruction of homes, and the fundraising efforts for residents in North Carolina over the course of the previous two months.
More than twenty campsites were sent to western North Carolina this week by him on behalf of residents of Helene who had lost everything, including their houses, as a result of the recent tragedy.
“These people are sleeping in tents. That’s not OK,” St. Pierre stated. “That’s why I have to get them inside one of these campers. There’s no reason for anybody to be sleeping in a tent right now. So we’re going to change that.”
During the launch of St. Pierre’s most ambitious undertaking to date, neighbors joined him.
“These people are going to be able to live on their property again,” he stated. “It is a sad place to be in. They’re trying so hard. They’re doing everything they can, but they have nothing.”
A GoFundMe campaign was initiated by St. Pierre with the intention of raising three thousand dollars. However, the campaign has not only garnered more than seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, but it has also gotten donations from all across the country.
The woodworker stated that it assisted him in purchasing and stocking each of the campers with everything that each individual requires in order to have a home once more.
“They got blankets, they’ve got food, they’ve got dishes, pans. I mean, these things are basically ready to hook up and live in,” he stated.
In order to ensure that the campers are delivered to people who require them, St. Pierre has also formed partnerships with charitable organizations in the affected areas, such as Rise Disaster Relief and Recovery.
“I have a lady who is going to be getting the first one, her property is ready,” Sylvie Langevin, Rise Disaster Relief and Recovery founder stated. “Her house has been gutted and she’s getting absolutely no assistance. She can’t rebuild her home and doesn’t have a place to stay. So she’s really excited about this.”
According to Langevin, the campaign is providing people with optimism at a time when they require it the most.
“They’re just super happy. They’ve gone through so much. The people who have helped Bill to get the campers to where they’re now just tugs at your heartstrings,” Langevin stated.
St. Pierre stated that he is continuing his efforts to raise money and is also assisting in the process of obtaining additional support.
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