Congressman Chuck Edwards, Governor Josh Stein, and Edward Graham of Samaritan’s Purse, visited Yancey County on Saturday, September 27th attending the dedication ceremony at the courthouse of the new monument remembering the victims and honoring the heroes of Hurricane Helene. There was also a first responder breakfast and Mercy Chefs at the Carolina Mountain Strong event at Mountain Heritage on Saturday.
Governor Stein also marked the one year anniversary of Hurricane Helene with survivors, neighbors, and community partners in Newland to honor those impacted by the storm and mark a new chapter in the recovery process with the unveiling of Blue Haven, a neighborhood developed and operated by Chief Cares to restore stability and hope. Blue Haven will soon welcome the first of more than 100 families on a pathway to homeownership and the promise of a brighter future across Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties.
In a speech to attendees, Gov. Josh Stein reflected on the strength of survivors and praised the community’s resilience over the past 12 months.
“This past April, I was here at the groundbreaking with Eric (Church), some of you, and others. Now, today, I just came down the mountain from viewing the two houses, they are going to make lovely homes for you future homeowners,” Gov. Stein said. “While there are two today, there will be 10 completed by Thanksgiving, giving all nine families a chance to be in their new homes for the holiday, what a blessing,” stated Gov. Stein.
Blue Haven is the first of three new neighborhoods being developed by Chief Cares for Hurricane Helene survivors and community pillars such as educators, health care workers, law enforcement officers, and faith leaders. Additional sites are planned for Mitchell and Yancey counties.
This work is being made possible thanks to the additional support from AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina and AMY Wellness Foundation. With a $10 million community investment from AmeriHealth Caritas NC, residents in all three neighborhoods will receive critical housing support to help them move from crisis to stability.
“Safe and attainable housing is key to a community’s overall health, and as a health care company, we believe this investment will make a lasting impact on the region,” said AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina Market President Heidi Chan. “Lessening the financial stressors will allow these families to focus on their overall health and wellness as they get their lives back on track.”
Along with enjoying local music and family activities at the event, attendees had the opportunity to tour a model home at Blue Haven and learn about the additional services and supports that will be offered to residents.
“Blue Haven is more than just a new home for my family,” said Elisa Mora, one of the first residents set to move in. “It represents hope for us and for our new neighbors. We are extremely grateful for this opportunity, feel very fortunate, and are committed to paying it forward.”
The first residents are slated to move into their homes this fall.
About AMY Wellness Foundation:
AMY (Avery, Mitchell, Yancey) Wellness Foundation was established as a result of the Mission Health System sale to HCA Healthcare to ensure health and wellness was still a main priority in our area of western North Carolina. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of the residents of Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties by partnering with local nonprofits, fostering connections among services, and supporting programs that make our communities a healthier place.
For more information please visit https://amywellnessfoundation.org/
About AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina
AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina is a prepaid health plan that offers a standard benefit plan to North Carolina Medicaid enrollees. AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina helps North Carolinians get care, stay well, and build healthy communities by addressing the acute and broader social factors that drive health outcomes. In addition to managing medical and behavioral health for its members, AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina operates Wellness & Opportunity Centers in Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Fayetteville and Greenville, offering wellness and educational opportunities for the community. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritasnc.com.
Any reference in this press release to any person, organization, activity, or services related to North Carolina Medicaid does not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
