Two years ago, Hurricane Helene tore through multiple states, carving a path of destruction that included the home where Noah and his family lived in eastern Tennessee.

Despite the devastation Helene wrought, it highlights the strength and resilience of the communities it affected, including even its youngest members. A neighbor encountered Noah mucking out his house along the Pigeon River in Cocke Co, Tennessee, days after the flood. She was so taken by the fact that he had a big smile on his face and waved to her, even though the family had just lost their home.

Cut to nearly two years later.

Noah, pictured in blue, stands on the steps of his new home where he will live here with his parents and his two older brothers. It took a village to get him and his family home - the Red Cross provided the family with direct financial assistance and awarded grants to the Cocke Co Long-Term Recovery Group and United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) for needed materials and disaster case management.

UMCOR Disaster Case Manager, Cecilia Henderson, made sure their needs were met by reaching out to other partners working to support recovery as well. Salvation Army provided the furniture, Catholic Charities helped purchase the rest of the home essentials. Through additional partnerships, the home was even rebuilt on the land the family has passed down through generations.

The day of the home dedication, members of the community turned out in force.

A representative from Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis’ office was in attendance, paying respect to Noah's dad, Geoff, who is a first responder in Cocke Co. and in Hamblen Co as EMT/Search & Rescue.

Spring Duckett, Executive Director for Cocke County Long Term Recovery Group, was also in attendance, praising the revitalized Appalachia spirit after Helene strengthened the community.

Overwhelmed by the prospect of returning home, young Noah shed some happy tears. “This little guy was feeling some big emotions,” the American Red Cross community recovery manager who attended the dedication shared. “He quietly cried as he walked through the home, touching everything in each room. Noah's tears reminded us all that it is a journey and we walk it together.”

For more about the Red Cross response to Hurricane Helene, read the Helene Story Map.