The Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders are launching a long-term recovery effort in West Virginia, where more than 1,600 homes were damaged by July flooding.
Working primarily in hard-hit Lewis and Upshur counties, the Disaster ReBuilders will begin with cleanup, debris removal and property stabilization before moving as quickly as possible into repairing damaged homes and rebuilding those that cannot be saved.
Volunteer teams will be based at WVU Jackson’s Mill near Weston, serving families who are uninsured, underinsured or otherwise lack the resources to recover on their own.
The need for both volunteers and financial support is significant.
“West Virginia is one of the most economically challenged areas in which we have operated, which significantly limits the availability of local and national donations,” Disaster ReBuilders President Bart Tucker said. “Combined with extremely low flood insurance coverage, this makes the West Virginia rebuilding effort a very financially challenging operation.”
The Disaster ReBuilders specialize in staying for the long haul after disasters — continuing to work after emergency responders have left and national attention has moved elsewhere.
Zoye Miller knows what that commitment can mean.
Hurricane Helene sent nearly nine feet of water through the western North Carolina retirement home she had only recently paid off, destroying virtually everything inside. After repeated attempts to find help left her discouraged, Miller walked away believing her home would never be livable again.
Then the Disaster ReBuilders stepped in. Volunteers helped restore the home she thought was lost, and Miller recently was able to return home.
Now, the Disaster ReBuilders are taking that same commitment to West Virginia, where flood survivors are beginning their own long road to recovery — and where families who may believe all is lost can find new hope.
Skilled construction volunteers are especially needed, but there are opportunities for volunteers without construction experience, as well. Financial gifts will help the Disaster ReBuilders provide materials and assistance to families whose needs exceed insurance coverage and government aid.
To learn more about volunteering in West Virginia or supporting the Disaster ReBuilders with a financial gift, visit fullercenter.org/disaster-rebuilders.
