Aid for PJ and Curtis: Rebuilding After Helene

My name is Beth Walker, I live in the Bakersville area of WNC and my good friends PJ & Curtis Bennett lost their home, their outbuildings, camper, and beautiful garden when the devastating and catastrophic Tropical Storm Helene tore through our beloved WNC mountains. By the grace of God, neither PJ nor Curtis were home during the flooding. They are just getting back to the area to begin sifting through the remains to see if their home can be salvaged, rebuilt, or will have to be torn down.

PJ and Curtis are longtime and native residents of Yancey County, North Carolina, where they raised their 3 sons, Levi, Josh, and Zach. They have loved having their beloved grandchildren come stay with them during the summers. Their home was a showplace and was the location of family weddings, baby showers, reunions, and Christmas parties. My heart is broken for them as they have been completely devastated by Hurricane Helene, like so many others in our mountain communities. The Bennetts' home was nearly swept away by the flooding, where waters reached all the way to their second floor when the Toe River rose to record levels.

To make matters worse, FEMA rejected their first application for emergency aid immediately upon submission, and their insurance company would not sell them a flood insurance policy when they checked a few years ago because their home is not in a flood plain! They have yet to find out if they will receive any funds from their homeowner's insurance or other forms of aid.

Last but not least, PJ’s part-time business is devastated. Like me, PJ is an antique dealer, and she has lovely antique pieces in 3 separate antique mall locations in Spruce Pine, Micaville, and the Swannanoa River area near Biltmore in Asheville, NC. All three locations have been destroyed.

PJ and Curtis are in dire straits and my heart is broken for them. I’m hoping and praying that you’d consider chipping in whatever you can to help them get back on their feet as they begin the process of sifting through the rubble of what once was their beautiful home.

I know that PJ and Curtis are far from the only ones whose lives have been turned upside down by Helene, but all I can say is that they could really use your help.

Your prayers, well wishes, and donations are truly and deeply appreciated.

Thank you so much,

Beth Walker

UPDATE: We arrived on our second day of clearing to find the porch roof had collapsed.

We did have an amazing team of volunteers from Samaritan’s Purse show up to help with the mud removal and emptying the contents of the house along with family and friends. ❤️❤️

God bless these folks!!