04/07/2026
It's been too long since we've posted, but not because there hasn't been anything worth posting. After 1.5 years, we are still busy helping hurricane victims get back into their homes. And we continue to work alongside large and small organizations alike, who are still helping rebuild people's homes, including Hendersonville's own, Housing Assistance Corporation.
Housing Assistance Corporation, known locally as HAC, creates affordable housing in our area, both by building new homes and apartments, as well as helping low income homeowners stay in their homes by rehabbing and sometimes completely rebuilding their homes.
We have had the pleasure of working along side HAC in helping a local resident named Willie get back into his home. The house was in need of significant repair (see 'before' pictures) before the hurricane hit, but the storm only made it worse. HAC spent nearly 6 months completely rebuilding Willie's home.
Common Ground volunteers first met Willie while we were serving hot meals (provided by World Central Kitchen) on 7th Ave in Hendersonville. The first few days he came out he was just looking for a good hot meal for himself. But within a few days, he would show up on his bicycle so that he could deliver meals to some of his homebound neighbors. Then, after his bike was stolen, Willie would show up on his lawn tractor and deliver meals to his neighbors. The only thing bigger than Willie's smile is his heart.
Thanks to HAC, and the support of his wonderful daughter, Chesnea, Willie has returned home to a beautifully renovated house. And thanks to the generous support of Common Ground donors and volunteers, that home is furnished with everything from brand new leather furniture in the living room, to beds and dressers, to dining room furniture, to rugs on the floor, curtains on the windows, dishes in the cupboards, and spare linens in the sideboard. With hugs, tears, and his famous smile, Willie expresses his gratitude to all of you for your support and prayers.
