Eric Church And Chief Cares Break Ground For Blue Haven Housing Development
In October 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through parts of the Southeast, leaving many families with nothing. Country music star and North Carolina native Eric Church knew he had to step up to help the community he grew up in.
Through his nonprofit, Chief Cares, he pledged to build 100 homes in Avery County, NC, to support those who lost everything in the storm.
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Originally, Church shared that the goal was to build 100 homes in 100 days. However, due to factors outside their control, like weather and closing processes for the properties, the first phase of construction faced some delays.
But on Friday, April 11, the project officially broke ground. The mid-to-long-term housing development is called Blue Haven.
Chief Cares’ Mission
During the big day, Church took the stage to speak about the project in front of community members.
He shared how much this effort means to him personally. He also mentioned how important it is to give back to the place that helped shape who he is.
“The land we stand on today sits in the heart of a county that has meant so much to me,” he told the audience. “This is a place my family and I are proud to call home… Mountain people, my people.”
Church also discussed how, throughout this process, Chief Cares shifted its mission to focus on helping people stay in their communities after experiencing hardship.
“We realized that keeping the people in their communities after the disaster was a problem with no real solution. We wanted to change that,” Church said. “This is truly a hand up, not a handout. Dignity and community are key to the long-term success of the Blueprint.”
According to the official Chief Cares website, Blue Haven will include 40 to 45 homes. Each house will be either a one, two, or three-bedroom floor plan.
Select families will receive financial help with housing costs. This will allow them to live affordably for up to three years as they work to get back on their feet.
Once the homes are finished, families who originally lived there will have the chance to buy their new homes. Chief Cares will continue to offer support along the way.
It’s predicted that families will be able to start moving in by the end of summer 2025.