ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — About 400 volunteers from The Home Depot Foundation, Appalachia Service Project and 365 Connect gathered Tuesday at Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries’ newly acquired Veterans Village to mark the first anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene and renovate the facility for local veterans.
The volunteer effort includes interior and exterior upgrades to improve living spaces and outdoor areas. Planned improvements feature construction of office, community and therapy spaces; installation of new flooring; landscaping; painting and custom resilience-themed murals; building raised garden beds and seating; and installing industrial kitchen appliances.
Volunteers are also preparing framing packages for 10 homes to be built by Appalachia Service Project in rural areas hardest hit by Hurricane Helene, where conventional construction and transport are challenging.
ABCCM, a faith-based nonprofit addressing poverty, homelessness and health care access in North Carolina, purchased the former Quality Inn on Tunnel Road as a permanent supportive housing facility after Tropical Storm Helene destroyed its Veterans Restoration Quarters last year. The new facility now houses about 130 veterans, with plans to expand to nearly 200 units.
The project is part of The Home Depot Foundation’s annual Celebration of Service initiative, which runs through Nov. 14 and funds projects nationwide to help veterans secure safe, accessible housing. The foundation has committed more than $600 million to veterans’ causes since its inception and aims to reach $750 million by 2030.
After last year’s storm, the foundation dedicated $3 million to disaster relief in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, supporting organizations including Operation Blessing, Convoy of Hope, World Central Kitchen and Team Rubicon. In 2025 alone, it has committed $8.5 million for disaster relief and continues to partner with nonprofits to aid communities recovering from natural disasters.
Marcus Laws, director of Veterans Restoration Quarters, said the project gives veterans a renewed sense of stability.
“It’s a new lease on life for us,” he said. “It’s given us a great opportunity not only to restart our program but to build out long-term plans and add hope for the guys we serve.”
Mike, a veteran living at the facility, recalled losing all his possessions when the previous housing site was flooded. “Everything I own now fits in the closet,” he said. “This is home. They’re making it feel like home for us.”