Stories

Rebuilding with Hope: The Story of Amber and Trevor Ballew

Amber and Trevor Ballew’s journey is one of profound loss and remarkable resilience. Their home in Craigtown, North Carolina, was destroyed during Hurricane Helene when a landslide tore through the area. In an instant, their lives changed forever. Along with losing their home, they mourned the heartbreaking loss of 10 family members, including Amber’s great-aunt and great-uncle who lived next door.

Amid these unimaginable challenges, Amber and Trevor have continued to demonstrate incredible strength and faith. They were volunteering at their local fire department, Garren Creek Fire Department, during the storm, and their selflessness has been evident throughout this tragedy.

Community Support Through HopeMill

In the aftermath, HopeMill and the community have come together to support Amber and Trevor as they work to rebuild their lives. Here’s what has been done to assist them so far:

  • A Virtual Baby Shower: Amber and Trevor are preparing to welcome their first child, a baby girl named Neylan, in January. After their in-person baby shower was canceled due to the hurricane, a virtual baby shower was organized to ensure they felt the love and support of the community during this special time.

  • Temporary Housing Assistance: With their home uninhabitable, six months of rent for a temporary residence has been covered, providing the family with much-needed stability.

  • Clearing and Salvaging Their Property: Volunteers have helped demolish what was left of their home and clear debris from their property. Eighteen wooden planks from their original cabin—once owned by Amber’s great-great-grandmother—were preserved as cherished mementos to share with family members.

The Road Ahead

Amber and Trevor face an uncertain future. They are still making mortgage payments on their destroyed home while awaiting a decision from FEMA about whether their property can be rebuilt. Despite these challenges, they remain hopeful as they prepare for Neylan’s arrival.

Their gratitude for the support they’ve received so far is unwavering. From financial contributions to prayers and encouragement, every act of kindness has reminded them that they are not alone in their journey.

How to Help

The Ballews continue to need support during this challenging time. Those who wish to help can contribute in the following ways:

  1. Donate to Their GoFundMe Campaign: Financial contributions go directly toward helping the family cover expenses and rebuild their lives.

    GoFundMe Link

  2. Contribute to Their Baby Shower Registry: Donating to the registry provides Amber and Trevor with the essentials they need as they prepare to welcome baby Neylan.

    Walmart Baby Gift Registry
    Amazon Baby Gift Registry

A Story of Resilience and Community

Amber and Trevor’s story is a testament to the power of community and the strength that comes from coming together in times of need. Their journey serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and generosity.

Supporting families like the Ballews not only helps rebuild lives but also restores hope in the face of adversity. For Amber, Trevor, and their daughter Neylan, the community’s love and care have made all the difference as they move forward.

By joining in their story, others can be part of something truly meaningful—a chance to bring hope to a family who needs it most.