An early-morning fire took the home of a Habitat for Humanity of Fannin & Gilmer Counties home recipient, Ashley Gibson, and her two children Wednesday, October 13.
“We are planning to rebuild, and the family of three needs a short-term rental for less than six months is what I’m projecting,” habitat Executive Director Christopher Hall said. “I am absolutely hoping that we can build both of these houses at the same time for both the Thortons (recent home recipient) and Gibsons.
“It is our job as a community and our responsibility as Habitat for Humanity to take care of our partner families. With all of the talk about affordable housing – here is a prime example of what happens to folks that don’t have the full backing of organizations like Habitat for Humanity.”
Gibson said she thanks everyone who has already reached out and helped provide things to her family.
“Everything’s gone,” she said. “We’re starting from scratch.”
With that, she added that if anyone could donate some storage for her to put some of the donations in until they can get a rental or the house rebuilt, it would be appreciated.
Anyone who would like to help this family may donate directly on the Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/fanningilmerhabitat/, or by sending a check made out to Habitat for Humanity with “Gibson Family” written in the memo line to 3387 East First Street, Blue Ridge, Georgia, 30513.
A check or money order can be given directly to Ashley Gibson at the Blue Ridge BB&T bank.
Donations of clothing, shoes, and other needs can be delivered to the Habitat ReStore located at 4187 East First Street, Blue Ridge, Cochran’s Funeral Home off of Blue Ridge Drive in McCaysville, or Mountain Area Christian Academy, Highway 76, Morganton.
Girls clothes size eight to nine and size two shoes and boys clothes size six to seven and size one shoes are needed.
“We’re going to need all the help we can, all the volunteers that are willing to work and build and also to serve lunch once everything is scheduled,” Hall said.