LEXINGTON, S.C. — Volunteers in Lexington County are coming together to build what they’re calling “survival sheds” for those displaced in Western North Carolina after Helene.
“We're trying to bring the people of North Carolina hope in the form of these buildings,” Curtis Fink said.
Fink, the founder of Godspeed SC, is rounding up volunteers to build what he calls “survival sheds” for families impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Twelve shelters from Lexington County will be transported up to Buncombe County, North Carolina, where they will be distributed based on need. The structures are built for up to two people.
“You've got different locations that are building these shelters. Some were built in Edgefield like about four weeks ago. We're building them here. There's another group who wants to build some down around Santee. I'm just glad to see the public coming together, and the churches and the businesses. It's taking a community effort, so it's not just us, but I'm glad to be part of it,” Fink said.
The structures are insulated to keep families warm and safe up in the mountains during winter.
“We're giving them the weather type package. We're thinking along terms of a small Mr. buddy heater or smaller heater. It's got two plugs in each one, you got a light switch, LED light, of course, one window for ventilation, but basically, it's meant for two people to exist,” Fink said.
Fink has partnered with his local church, Covenant Baptist, and Cabins 4 Christ to help build the 10-by-15 feet sheds.
“Most of what you see here is donations. And, like I said, whether it's corporations or local churches, we've had people as far as Ridgeland, West Columbia, you know all over Lexington,” Fink said.
Volunteers of all ages and parts of the Midlands are rolling up their sleeves for the cause.
“I can teach you how to nail a nail on a board. I can teach you how to paint these walls, but I can't teach people empathy and empathy has to be shown. and this is where it's shown,” Fink said.
Fink said about 640 people need these shelters.