BeLoved Asheville Rebuilds Resiliently in Helene-Damaged Beacon Village

Rebuilding with Resilience in Swannanoa's Helene-Damaged Neighborhood

At the end of a quiet street lined with one-story bungalows, a boom truck carefully lowered roof trusses onto a new wooden frame. This home, like many others in the neighborhood, was built during the late 1920s by Beacon Blanket Manufacturing. However, this particular house stands out due to its elevated design and flood-resistant features.

The structure sits on a cinderblock foundation that is over 10 feet high, equipped with flood vents and floor drains. Reinforced with rebar, it is designed to withstand future flooding events. The Wright family’s home is being rebuilt by the nonprofit BeLoved Asheville, in collaboration with Andale Painting and other local partners. Their goal is to create a resilient home that can better withstand natural disasters.

Tropical Storm Helene left a devastating mark on the area. In September, the Swannanoa River overflowed, submerging much of the Beacon Village neighborhood. Of the 77 homes in the area, only 11 remained livable. Many were completely submerged, forcing residents to be rescued from rooftops and attics. Tragically, some lives were lost, including a couple whose mobile home was located along the river’s banks.

Nine months after the storm, the impact of Helene is still evident. Swannanoa, a small unincorporated community near Asheville, remains in the process of recovery. While many homes are empty and marked with spray-painted X’s, construction teams continue their work on rebuilding efforts. Various organizations are involved in renovating the neighborhood, with signs indicating different builders and nonprofits working together.

On July 2, construction teams were nearing the final stages of framing. A wall-raising celebration was held the week before, marking an important milestone for the project. Co-director Ponkho Bermejo emphasized the importance of creating positive memories amid the devastation. “One family closer to being home is one community closer to being healed,” he said.

BeLoved Asheville has been actively involved in the recovery efforts since the storm. Their work includes extending hotel stays for families as FEMA deadlines approached, delivering temporary shelters, and rebuilding damaged homes. As of July, they have completed 30 to 40 major home repairs in Swannanoa and 100 across Western North Carolina.

According to the state Commerce Department, Helene damaged over 38,000 homes, including 11,128 in Buncombe County. For the Wright family, the decision to demolish their home was difficult. They had lived in the house for over 20 years, but the foundation was compromised by the floodwaters. “It’s like losing your house twice,” Bermejo said.

A total rebuild like this one could cost around $250,000, but through community donations and in-kind support, the cost is expected to be significantly reduced. The home will be gifted to the Wright family for free. This model of resilience and community support was developed through BeLoved Village, a tiny home development in East Asheville that began in 2022.

The success of BeLoved Village has allowed the organization to expand its reach. They now have a network of volunteers, both amateur and professional, as well as paid subcontractors and a general contractors license. Cantrell noted that the experience gained through this project has been invaluable in responding to the current housing crisis.

In January, BeLoved Asheville purchased an 8-acre parcel in Swannanoa with plans to build a new village of deeply affordable homes. The project is currently in the final stages of civil engineering. The goal is to replicate the successful model seen at BeLoved Village in East Asheville.

Daniel Wright, who was present during the final trusses being placed, described the emotional journey of losing his home. He and his family evacuated just in time as the storm hit. Now living in a rental in West Asheville, he expressed gratitude for the support they have received. “We’re grateful and blessed, but we hope everyone around us gets the help they need and deserve,” he said.

Wright, who has worked in Asheville’s food industry for 25 years, emphasized the importance of community support. His sons grew up in the home, and all their memories were there. “They only know this house,” he said.

As the reconstruction continues, the focus remains on building a stronger, more resilient community. The efforts of BeLoved Asheville and its partners serve as a beacon of hope for those affected by the storm. With each home rebuilt, the neighborhood moves closer to recovery.