Valdese supports shed-building efforts for storm-affected North Carolinians

Patriot Relief can continue its shed-building relief efforts, thanks to the Town of Valdese offering one of its empty lots as a base of operations.

Since first coming together on Nov. 2 to build shelters, Patriot Relief has provided 23 temporary homes to families in need. They hope to build up to 20 more during a second construction event. Their next round, Volunteer Blitz Days, will kick off on Monday, Nov. 25, and Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 8 a.m. until completion (by 6 p.m.) Volunteers are encouraged to bring tools.

They are also looking for cleaning supply donations and volunteers with trucks from 7:30-8 a.m. to transport materials.

In support, the Town of Valdese offered its vacant town-owned lot at 200 Massel Ave., the location of the future public safety facility. Interim Town Manager Bo Weichel said Patriot Relief will use the site for the next two months. The previous build site on Church Street had logistical challenges such as school traffic.

“This has been a successful endeavor, so much so that there is still a tremendous need for these small units, especially with cooler weather on the horizon,” Weichel said. “We’ve identified our empty 200 Massel lot for them to set up shop so they can continue this superb volunteer work. Since this property is sitting empty, it is a logical location for their work.

“This allows the Town of Valdese to utilize our resources in being a direct contributor to the relief efforts that so many still need,” he said.

The group, founded by Concord real estate agent Leigh Brown, includes local volunteers as well as supporters from 11 states, all working to build small homes for those who lost their homes during Hurricane Helene.

“We’re very grateful for the partnership with the Town of Valdese, and I gotta say,” Brown said, “one of the nicest things is we’ve had volunteers that have come in from 11 states to help us with this project, and they’re getting to spend a little time in Valdese.

“We’re glad to be supporting the local businesses while we support our neighbors in western North Carolina.”

Each home is insulated and equipped with a generator, a mini-fridge, a propane heater, and a single electrical outlet.

“These are gifts. There’s no obligation to anybody,” Brown said. “Now they’ve got a place to put their belongings while winter’s here. … I think that’s been a relief to have a place. They’re not huge, but it’s a little something of privacy.”

The relief group continues its hard work with the miniature homes along with delivering dehumidifiers to prevent mold caused by the storm.

Supporting the group’s efforts is Mailbox Angels, a charity that gifted the relief group around 30 mailboxes. The mailbox gives recipients access to their FEMA checks and other important mail.

“It’s an eye-opening moment to realize how much we take it for granted, but also as neighbors, when we can take care of somebody else’s needs, it’s a good way to be neighbors,” Brown said.

The group has also been working with churches, local volunteer fire departments, and the Western Piedmont Community College’s carpentry class.

For more information, check out their Patriot Relief Facebook page.