South

Boone, NC church becomes Helene recovery hub, one of dozens across Southeast: 'God will carry us through this'

Published

2 years ago

October 6, 2024

Boone, NC church becomes Helene recovery hub, one of dozens across Southeast: 'God will carry us through this'

A former North Carolina judge whose church is supporting relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene told Fox News Digital there “is a resounding faith” among residents that “God’s still in control of this and that he will carry us through this.”

Judge Phil Ginn, a resident of Boone, said the Perkinsville Church in the western North Carolina town is one of several in the region stepping up in the wake of the devastating storm, which has so far left more than 230 dead and caused billions in property damage.

“We’re housing people in our church. We’ve given up all of our Sunday school space to literally house people who are coming to work,” said Ginn, president of the Southern Evangelical Seminary. “And so our church had just seen fit to not only help our neighbors, but to help those who are coming here to help our neighbors by feeding them. We’ve got a shower trailer set up and washer and dryer to keep their clothes clean.”

Ginn described the storm as a “generational event” and said the recovery effort is going to be a “marathon that’s going to last for years.” However, he added that “it’s amazing to me to see God has come to us during the storm.”

SAMARITAN’S PURSE CONTINUES HELENE RELIEF EFFORTS WITH THREE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS IN NORTH CAROLINA

Workers survey a large section of Highway 105 that washed away during Helene on the outskirts of Boone, N.C., Sept. 27. Judge Phil Ginn, inset, who is a resident of Boone, described the storm as a “generational event.” (Reuters/Jonathan Drake | Fox News Digital)

“There is a resounding faith among folks that I’m talking to out there that God’s still in control of this and that he will carry us through this. And so we have that faith to lean into,” Ginn told Fox News Digital. “And it is stronger now than it ever was. The bond between us as human beings, as brothers and sisters, has really increased.”

The help seems to be coming more from local people than the federal government, Ginn said.

President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump have each made multiple trips to affected areas, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has committed $110 million in federal aid to Helene victims, the White House said Saturday.

Relief efforts outside South Fork Baptist Church in Todd, N.C., after Helene. (Courtesy JC Garcia)

Ginn said people are coming together to help each other regardless of their circumstances or backgrounds.

“Nobody’s asking what your politics are. Nobody’s asking what your faith is. Nobody’s asking if you just got out of prison. There’s nothing of that,” he said. “It’s just if you need help, you’re getting it from local people.”

GEORGIA MAN SHARES STORY OF SURVIVAL IN NORTH CAROLINA AFTER HURRICANE HELENE: ‘INCREASED MY FAITH IN GOD’

Scott Richardson surveys his collapsed and destroyed house in the aftermath of Helene, in Boone, N.C., Sept. 28. (Reuters/Jonathan Drake)

Ginn’s seminary, working alongside Samaritan’s Purse and the North Carolina Baptist Men’s Association, has established the SES Benevolence Fund for Hurricane Helene Relief, which is helping provide food, water, hygiene items, first aid kits and other essentials to those in need across four southeastern states.

“The great problem that we have right now is that virtually all of the damage was caused by water or mud, and none of that is covered by insurance. And so we’ve got families who were barely edging by with inflation and everything else, and now they’ve lost everything,” Ginn told Fox News Digital.

“They’ve lost all their personal possessions. They can’t live in their home. Their property is gone … so it’s going to be a mental health issue, and it’s going to be an economic issue as well.

“It will never return to what it was,” Ginn added. “We have not only buildings gone and towns gone, but the land on which these buildings are set … that’s gone too. Rivers have changed courses.

The Perkinsville Church in Boone, N.C., is helping support relief workers after Helene passed through the region. (Courtesy JC Garcia)

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“We’ll build each other up, and we’ll come back through this because of our strong faith and because of our faith in each other.”

Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.

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Dallas, TX

Preston Hollow residents oppose proposed $800 million mixed-use development in Dallas, survey reveals

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Press Room

Preston Hollow residents oppose proposed 0 million mixed-use development in Dallas, survey reveals

Updated on: June 29, 2026 / 10:35 PM CDT
/ CBS Texas

It’s called a blue card survey. But some residents in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas believe it could be their ace in the hole and their fight against the proposed development.

The 2019 tornado left a trail of destruction in North Dallas, including Victor Toledo’s home. He said been able to rebuild along with others in his neighborhood.

But he says one area is still an eyesore.

“It’s become a very desirable neighborhood, other than that one corner, that one corner is still stuck six years ago with the old office buildings,” said Toledo.

That “one corner” he’s referring to is the southwest side of Preston Road in Royal Lane.

It’s where developers want to build an $800 million 19-story resort hotel, apartment building, and mixed-use development.

There are signs all around Preston Hollow opposing the project.

A recently completed survey of residences within 500 yards of it reveals just how strong the opposition is.

City of Dallas survey:

258 opposed
7 in favor
18 no response

Margaret Chabris hopes the city’s planning and zoning commission, which meets again on Aug. 6, will take the results of the survey seriously.

“It does have an impact because this is what the city wanted to know, and this is the chance that residents and property owners right here can voice their opinion; it should have a considerable impact.”

But some residents, like Toledo, believe the benefits of the development outweigh concerns about traffic and construction.

“It’ll be great for the neighborhood to have that kind of amenity,” Toledo said. “To have hotel options, new restaurants. Now it’s a vacant old building that wasn’t being used much.”

In:

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Miami, FL

Bradley Beal to Miami Heat rumors draw skepticism

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Press Room

Bradley Beal to Miami Heat rumors draw skepticism

Bradley Beal is reportedly a free agent after declining his player option to return to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Miami Heat have been linked to him with the start of NBA free agency looming.

Miami is looking to add floor spacers following its trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Beal fits the bill as he’s a career 37.6% shooter from beyond the arc and would provide the team with a lot of experience.

MORE: Projecting the 2026 Milwaukee Bucks starting lineup after Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

Underdog NBA shared the update reported by NBA Prime’s Chris Haynes on X. However, fans expressed skepticism about his fit and what he would bring to the franchise.

“Bradley Beal about to scam the Miami Heat like he did the Phoenix Suns and the LA Clippers,” one fan wrote.

“He said watch out like if Beal is still a good player,” a comment read.

“not a soul is worried about where bradley beal is going. we waiting on the jaylen brown trade,” one user said.

“That’s suppose to scare the Celtics ?” posted another.

“How can any team want this dude?” a comment read.

“Their whole team will be over 30 years old at this rate,” another fan commented.

Beal signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Clippers on July 18, 2025. However, he played only six games last season as doctors performed a season-ending surgery to repair a hip fracture.

Bradley Beal’s career stats

The 33-year-old is coming off a major injury and hasn’t played a full season since 2018-19. However, he last received All-Star honors in 2021 and could still be a solid contributor if given ample playing time. Beal averages 21.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.1 3PM in his career.

He could sign a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal, which would give him a chance to secure a more lucrative contract if he performs well. A low-risk, high-reward scenario will work well for Miami as it maneuvers its salary cap situation.

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Atlanta, GA

Georgia Haitian communities face sudden July 27 deportation deadline

Published

4 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Press Room

Georgia Haitian communities face sudden July 27 deportation deadline

Thousands of Atlanta immigrants face deportations

Hundreds of thousands of Haitian immigrants face potential deportation starting July 27 after a Supreme Court ruling allowed the administration to end Temporary Protected Status, according to legal advocates.

ATLANTA – A Supreme Court ruling allowing the end of Temporary Protected Status has sparked widespread fear among tens of thousands of Haitian immigrants living across Georgia.

The major legal decision clears the way for federal authorities to resume deportations next month.

Georgia immigrants face deportation

What we know:

The Supreme Court ruled last week that the Trump administration can end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 1-million immigrants. This decision affects roughly 350,000 Haitian immigrants nationwide, including thousands who legally reside and work in metro Atlanta.

Former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf called the ruling a dramatic win for the administration and common sense. However, local immigration lawyer Lana Joseph said, “these are people who are well vetted, who work here, raise children, pay taxes.”

Atlanta community fears violence

What they’re saying:

An anonymous Haitian woman living in metro Atlanta expressed profound terror, calling the sudden legal shift an absolute nightmare. She said, “I am worried about the future more because I don’t know what’s going to happen to me,” fearing she could be killed by heavily armed gangs that currently overrun much of Haiti.

Dr. Jean Billy Beaufils, president of the Georgia Haitian Leadership Coalition, strongly condemned the decision, describing any forced return to Haiti as suicide. Joseph added that some facing removal entered the country as infants and know no other home.

Legal protections ending soon

What’s next:

The Trump administration is authorized to begin deportations on July 27 following the expiration of the legal safeguards. Meanwhile, immigration advocates are pressing Congress to intervene and extend protections for vulnerable communities.

Unresolved immigration details

What we don’t know:

Officials have not yet confirmed exactly how many individuals within Georgia will face immediate removal actions starting next month. It also remains unclear whether federal authorities will prioritize specific cases or execute widespread enforcement operations.

The Source: The information in this story was gathered from FOX 5 reporter Christopher King, who interviewed affected Haitian community members and legal experts in metro Atlanta, as well as broadcast pool feeds featuring federal policy statements.

AtlantaNewsSupreme CourtImmigrationDonald J. Trump

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