Sampson County man, woman rejoice in new houses years after hurricanes destroyed old homes
Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity and a state disaster recovery agency recently helped rebuild two homes in Clinton for families whose lives were derailed by hurricanes years ago.
Frustration has been building for several years for some who saw their homes torn apart by Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Matthew.
On Monday, there was finally relief for two Sampson County residents, who now have new places to stay.
Habitat for Humanity initially wanted to repair the homes, but they were so severely damaged they decided to tear them down and build new ones.
"When we have families like this, [who've] been impacted by the hurricanes and the damage is so significant, it doesn't make for healthy living," Fayetteville Habitat For Humanity CEO Brandon Price said. "We're just super excited that we're able to partner with OSBM out of Raleigh in order to get families back into there homes safely."
The Office of State Budget and Management Disaster Recovery provided the money to build 88-year-old Arthur Mathis' home on Phillips Street.
"I feel so good today," Mathis said. "I'm [still] blessed to be here."
92-year-old Alice Spell's house on Stetson Street is around the corner.
"I remember so much," said Spell. "I tried to get help four or five times. They turned me down. I couldn't get it so ... God moves in mysterious ways."
Spells said she's looking forward to sitting on the porch of her new home and spending time with her family and friends, especially her great grandchildren.
