28-03-2025
Yancey County high school students build tiny home for Helene survivor
BURNSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – The carpentry program gives Mountain Heritage High School students a building block for their future. But because of urgent circumstances, their help is needed right now.
'Most of them have already been accepted to a college for project management. Several
want to become contractors,' says instructor Jeremy Dotts.
Long before the chorus of power tools begins on each project, the foundation of construction is planning.
But what they're working on is in response to something catastrophic that no one in western North Carolina could've planned for: Hurricane Helene.
Nearly six months after Helene slammed into the mountains, causing historic flooding, mudslides and loss of basic resources, many people are still without homes.
The class is pitching in by hammering away at a vital project.
'I like seeing the project go to someone that has lost a house,' said student Hensley England, who has seen so much suffering since last September.
'All of the students have been impacted some way by this storm,' Dotts told Queen City News.
The storm left hundreds of houses in Yancey County unlivable. At a time of such enormous need, it takes many hands to do the work needed to help the area recover.
That's where Mountain Heritage comes into play.
The teens are building a 600-square-foot tiny home for a woman who lost everything. It's a partnership with Rebuilding Hollers, which continues to raise money to cover construction costs.
'Right now we're putting in the walls, we already have the floor system done,' says senior Sawyer Silver.
'One bedroom, one bath with a loft,' Dotts said, describing the structure. 'It's going to have a good-sized living room. It's going to be plenty of space for one person.'
With more donations, the nonprofit wants to work with Mountain Heritage on more small homes.
'So, I think it's the perfect blend, because we need these kids to learn everything and build,' says founder Stephanie Johnson. 'And they'll be rebuilding our community for years to come.'
'It's really amazing to be able to supply for the community the way we are, especially at a time of need,' Silver said.
The tiny home is part of a bigger mission to not only teach job skills but also give back.
'The mission statement for this program has always been to build a house and donate a house,' explained Dotts.
The carpentry program earns revenue through contract work. Dotts says the idea is to invest the cash earned back into the community.
'We have built the house, sold it, taken the proceeds from that house and donated it to someone in need,' he said.
The blueprint that was in place long before Helene, now gives the Cougar Carpenters something to build upon.
'Not only are we learning along the way, but we're also driven because we're helping someone,' Silver says.
'Knowing that they are participating in the rebuilding process of their community is absolutely something that they bought into and are thrilled to be a part of,' said Dotts.
The goal is to finish the tiny home by this fall. With additional funds, Dotts hopes the carpentry class can build several more.
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