News Summary
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Robin Raines, Vice President at Rowhouse Architects, has pledged 150 hours of pro bono design work for affected individuals. As co-founder of The Reconstruction Foundation, Raines aims to support rebuilding efforts by providing grants to contractors aiding in home reconstruction. Despite ongoing recovery challenges in Asheville, her dedication exemplifies the community’s resilience and urgent need for assistance post-disaster.
Asheville – In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Robin Raines, the Vice President and Affordable Housing Director at Rowhouse Architects, has pledged to dedicate 150 hours of pro bono design work to help individuals affected by the devastating storm that brought destruction to the area over six months ago. Raines’ commitment is part of a larger effort to support the Asheville community during an ongoing recovery process that has seen countless individuals still struggling post-disaster.
Raines has also co-founded a non-profit organization called The Reconstruction Foundation, which aims to provide grants to licensed contractors for the reconstruction of homes impacted by natural disasters. This initiative aims to empower local professionals to assist in the recovery efforts that have become exceedingly critical in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The hurricane’s impact has been profound, resulting in over 220 confirmed deaths, including 104 fatalities in North Carolina, primarily due to flooding and falling trees. The storm inflicted widespread destruction on both homes and forested land, raising significant concerns about long-term climate resilience in Asheville.
Despite the city’s recent progress in recovery, challenges persist. Asheville’s revised recovery plan was recently approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development after its initial version was rejected due to conflicts with federal policies. The approved plan includes an allocation of $125 million for infrastructure improvements, $52 million for economic revitalization, and $31 million aimed specifically at addressing housing shortages.
Raines has been an Asheville resident for 25 years. Following Hurricane Helene, she felt a deep personal connection to the community, likening it to a “dear friend” suffering in hard times. Her insights underscore the ongoing need for support, highlighting that some community members are still living in tents months after the disaster.
Before moving to Asheville, Raines grew up in a small coal mining town in Virginia where she witnessed many struggling with housing issues. This early exposure fostered her interest in affordable housing and drove her to develop projects that assist vulnerable populations. Among her accomplishments, she has contributed to elderly housing initiatives and spearheaded the conversion of an abandoned Days Inn into homes for the homeless.
Raines has expressed her concern regarding the implications of climate change on the construction industry. Through her expertise, she hopes to leverage her skills for the benefit of her community, ensuring long-term recovery and resilience against future natural disasters.
In addition to her professional contributions, Raines enjoys engaging in creative pursuits and outdoor activities, such as running and biking. She has noted her reliance on a few essential items that help her maintain her routine, including a Yeti coffee cup, a sound machine for sleep, and chocolate for relaxation.
As the recovery efforts continue in Asheville, the community looks toward both local leaders and residents like Robin Raines to provide the necessary expertise and support for rebuilding. The need for action remains urgent as areas affected by Hurricane Helene still require substantial assistance and infrastructure development to ensure a prosperous future.
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Additional Resources
- HousingWire: HUD Asheville Hurricane Helene Recovery Plan
- The Guardian: Asheville Trees Hurricane Helene
- ABC11: Hurricane Helene Months After
- The Cool Down: Asheville Public Transportation Post-Hurricane Helene
- Weather.com: Hurricane Helene Final Report
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
