Sandra, who is 79 years old and lives alone, lived in the house next door to her sister—in their mother’s house — for 43 years. The property is tucked between sprawling pastures, with several large trees in the back yard. At first, the Repair team’s scope of work was not so different from other homes affected by Hurricane Florence. Rot had set into the subfloors and joists, the roof leaked, black mold spread onto the drywall, and the ceiling sagged in places. There were additions to be made as well, to help Sandra age in place safely. A “right-height” toilet and level, easy- to- clean flooring were on the initial list for the repair. Once the administrative work was in place, Lowes grant funds were allocated to support these repairs.  

A few days into the floor and wall demolition, the repair crew made a discovery. Termite damage permeated the subfloors and joists, and when the crew removed a piece of drywall, they found one of the largest termite hills they had ever seen. Standing at least four feet tall, the termite hill was a city unto itself. It was at that moment when the team realized the problems in this home were much larger than they could effectively address. Between storm and termite damage, it was fortunate that the house was still standing, but it was clear that it wouldn’t be standing for long.  

In late April, affiliate leaders met with Sandra, and together they made the decision to tear the house down and to build her a new efficiency cottage in the original house’s footprint. Cape Fear Habitat formulated a plan to not just build a house, but to utilize a person-centered approach to the project.  

Designed to help Sandra age in place, the home features a zero-step front entry, a “right-height” toilet, and a walk-in shower. It is also constructed with 2×6 exterior framing and 50-year architectural shingles to enhance hurricane resistance. For better energy efficiency, the home is built to be SystemVision verified, which will help Sandra keep her energy bills affordable and will protect her from heat, cold, and dampness.  

Sandra periodically visited the construction site with her family to check on her flowers and to watch the staff, volunteers, and subcontractors work. Sandra said, “I’m not used to sitting and watching. I like to get up and help.” She says she has enjoyed meeting new people through the construction process, many of whom she now knows by name.  

Thanks to the generous support of Lowes, HFHI, and other funders, Sandra moved into her home in early 2025, and she looks forward to gathering there with her family on the land that has been theirs for generations. Her familial ties to this land serve as a reminder of the bonds forged among people and the places where they spend their time. 

 Sandra’s sister is no longer in the house next door, but her nieces and nephews live on the family property, continuing the legacy connected to this place. As Sandra surrounds herself with family to celebrate her new home, she is cognizant of the family members who are no longer with her. She said, “If you are going to tell your loved ones you love them, do it now. I thank you for the help you gave me.”