Shannon, NC – For seven years, Chasity Locklear’s mobile home was where she built treasured memories with her son. That is, until Hurricane Matthew destroyed both her home and sense of security. “It was terrifying. I didn’t know it was that close until the power went out,” she says. “I’d never experienced anything like that. Being without water for weeks, no electricity, trying to find gas and food.”
The storm tore through her home, damaging her roof and leaving an enormous hole in her floor. “I was a young, single mother and didn’t know what I was going to do,” Chasity says. “How was I going to find the funds to fix the damage?”
Flipping through her local newspaper, Chasity discovered an advertisement for ReBuild NC. She made an appointment at her local Rebuild NC Center and was connected with a case manager. “My case manager was awesome,” she says. “She helped me get my whole process going.”
Because of how much damage there was, Chasity qualified for a new mobile home. “I didn’t think it was real,” she says. “I couldn’t believe it.”
While construction was underway, Chasity relied on her family for support, staying at her mother’s home. “I had to make sacrifices, but it was worth it,” she says. “Our last home was stuffy, with mold everywhere. My son has asthma and now we both breathe better. I’m so grateful for my new home.”
Chasity looks forward to sprucing up her place and using the new appliances, but most of all—spending quality time with her family. “My son graduated this year and I like that I can show him that you can always try to better yourself,” she says. “I’m happy for both of us.”