North Carolina group brings campers for flood victims in Breathitt County

BREATHITT COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - After hearing stories of the devastation throughout the Eastern Kentucky mountains, a family from North Carolina joined forces with their community to bring homes-away-from home for victims.

Holly Whitson, her family and friends were in Breathitt County to deliver supplies when they saw how many homes had been destroyed in the flooding.

“Well this community is a lot like my community,” said Whitson. “Its a very small community, everybody knows everybody and so when I met all these people, I just couldn’t forget about them and my heart went out to them, so I thought if there’s anything I can do, I’m gonna do it.”

After the visit, the Bakersville group decided to work with churches, businesses and other partners to buy three campers to give to people who have lost their home.

One of the people given a new home was Delbert White, who had been living in a one-bedroom home that was destroyed by flood waters.

”You don’t know the people that loves you, and I mean that,” said White. “I mean, it is just unreal and I thank God for that, too. I thank God for the people who’ve helped me and God bless them.”

This generosity also impacted Breathitt County native Rena Ritchie, who has been living in a tent since the flood.

“It was hard to believe, it really was, its still hard to believe,” said Ritchie. “I feel like I’m in a dream. Its a good feeling, but I just still feel like I’m in a dream where I’ve been living in these old tents and my car. Its hard to believe I can actually lay down tonight in a bed.”

Whitson said this is the first time she has been able to do anything like this. She said she feels like God opened a lot of doors to make this all possible.

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