When Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across North Carolina, Realtor Leigh Brown sprang into action, spearheading a remarkable community response that ultimately transformed into a nonprofit initiative.
According to the National Association of Realtors’ Community Aid and Real Estate (CARE) Report released in May 2023, approximately 70% of real estate professionals dedicate at least eight hours a month to volunteer work.
Leigh Brown, broker-owner of One Community Real Estate, embodies this spirit of service and civic engagement.
Initiating Relief Efforts
As soon as Helene struck in late September, Brown began her usual efforts to lend a hand.
She owned a 15-foot moving truck that she regularly used for her clients, and in the past, she would fill it with supplies to assist during emergencies.
However, the extent of the destruction caused by Helene became clearer only over time.
Connecting with Realtors and friends throughout the state revealed a grim reality.
One contact, the mayor of a small mountain town, informed her that their pump stations had failed, leaving locals without clean water.
This urgent situation pushed Brown to escalate her relief efforts from simply gathering water cases to sourcing entire pallets of supplies.
What began as a client’s trailer filled with donations rapidly evolved into Patriot Relief, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
As word spread about the severe impact of the hurricane, contributions surged.
Within just 48 hours, thanks to generous local businesses, Brown upgraded from her small truck to a fully donated semi-truck, allowing her to transport more aid.
Community Mobilization and Challenges
Leveraging her extensive network, Brown efficiently coordinated donations and assessed the pressing needs of hurricane survivors across the region.
The collective community response was overwhelming, and she described the experience as one of the most fulfilling of her life.
Brown pointed out that Realtors possess unique insights into their locales, enabling them to serve as effective conduits for relief efforts.
They know the important community resources, from local churches to volunteer fire departments, which helps create meaningful connections between aid and those who need it most.
As the weeks passed, the nature of assistance required shifted.
What started as an urgent need for water and diapers transformed into a demand for more complex items, such as construction materials and propane for heating homes.
Brown highlighted the varied damage; some victims needed little more than new flooring, while others were staring down the possibility of complete rebuilds.
In response, Brown and Patriot Relief forged collaborations with local contractors to aid those in need.
While these contractors were instrumental, they faced difficulties in hiring additional workers due to the overwhelming post-disaster demand.
A roofer from out of state also stepped forward to help with roof repairs, a testament to the extensive network of support that emerged.
Ongoing Commitment to Recovery
Additionally, Brown recognized the financial burdens many families faced.
Numerous individuals had their insurance claims denied and were awaiting assistance from FEMA.
She and her team worked tirelessly to explore solutions for these families grappling with tough circumstances.
As she reflected on her journey over the past few months, Brown expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community’s incredible support.
Though many families faced significant hardships, she was uplifted by the unyielding unity and volunteer spirit shown by people from across the country.
Brown emphasized how pivotal Realtors are in the lives of their clients, especially given the deep connections individuals have with their homes and communities.
For many residents, especially in the mountainous regions, their houses are repositories of family history, making the losses all the more profound.
Despite the considerable progress achieved, Brown acknowledged that the road to recovery remains long.
With an unwavering team of dedicated real estate professionals—including Starr Franklin, Renee Royall, Terri Preutti, Carala Rose, Cindy Hanson, Chris Puckett, Dawn While, Alice Venter, and Austin Lineberry—she reiterated the ongoing nature of their mission.
Recognizing that recovery requires time and sustained effort, Brown pledged to keep the momentum going, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring that assistance continues for those affected by the hurricane.
Source: Housingwire