In towns across Appalachia, where economic hardship runs deep, homes are being made habitable once again, and lives are being quietly transformed.
“She never asked for help—but received it anyway.”
—On Santana’s return to a safe home
One of those lives belongs to Santana, a young mother facing overwhelming challenges.
“She has faced many hardships in her life,” says Dyanne Spriggs, executive director of our grassroots partner Big Creek People in Action (BCPIA).
Santana’s home had become unsafe—the roof over her back porch had collapsed, allowing rain to pour in and making it dangerous for her children.
Living in distressed McDowell County, West Virginia, Santana was quietly struggling. Already raising children from a previous relationship and expecting another, she carried the burden of her circumstances silently. The father of her unborn child is incarcerated, and Santana hesitated to tell anyone, ashamed and unsure of how she would be received.
But her community noticed.
Her growing involvement in BCPIA’s parenting workshops caught the attention of staff. Reaching out with compassion, BCPIA’s parenting coordinator messaged her, not about her personal situation, but to let her know that applications were open for a Community Baby Shower.
That simple gesture opened the door.
Emergency Home Repairs: A Community Response
- BCPIA’s housing team evaluated her home but found it too unsafe for volunteers.
- Dyanne called in trusted locals with heavy equipment—former volunteers who stepped up immediately.
- They used a tractor to stabilize the roof.
- Two volunteer groups followed, repairing the roof, rebuilding the porch, and restoring the steps.
Today, Santana and her children are back in a safe, stable home.
“We are happy to say this momma and all her kids are back in their own home now. She did not ask for any help but received help anyway. We have created a bond with this mother that will hopefully last a lifetime,” says Dyanne.
“They were scared to use the bathroom because the floor was so weak near the commode.”
—Dyanne Spriggs, on the condition of Thelma’s home
Another story of quiet perseverance is that of Thelma and her husband, who suffers from dementia. They’re raising two young grandchildren whose parents tragically passed—the children’s mother died by suicide while in prison, and their father died from a drug overdose.
Their home was dangerous:
- Holes in both the kitchen and bathroom floors
- The floor around the toilet was so weak that it was unsafe for use
- The kitchen floor was caving in
But with grant funding from Americans Helping Americans®, materials were purchased and repairs were made.
“She was so appreciative,” Dyanne shared. “Her family can now use the kitchen and bathroom without the fear of falling through.”
“There are so many families who live in unsafe homes.”
—Dyanne Spriggs
Santana and Thelma are just two examples of families living in unsafe housing conditions with no means to make critical repairs.
“We try to work on as many as we can through the financial support we receive from Americans Helping Americans®.”
Thanks to that support, homes are not just being repaired—they’re becoming places of safety, dignity, and hope once more.
“Thanks to our supporters, these homes are not just being repaired—they’re becoming sanctuaries again.”
In neighboring Eastern Kentucky, the need is just as urgent.
After severe flooding earlier this year, our partner Cumberland Mountain Outreach (CMO) is preparing to host five church teams this summer at Pine Crest Camp, owned by Americans Helping Americans®.
Their mission:
- Repair homes damaged in the floods
- Restore deteriorating trailers—many 25+ years past their intended lifespan
- Help families reclaim a sense of stability
“Thanks to our supporters, these homes are not just being repaired—they’re becoming sanctuaries again.”
Rebuilding Appalachia: One Home, One Family at a Time
In places where hope can be hard to come by, your support is helping restore it—one home, one family, one act of kindness at a time.
