Innovative, Durable, Energy Efficient and Easy-to-Build Homes Replace Those Lost During Flooding and Offer a Solution for Emergency and the Long-Term Housing Crisis
East Patchogue, NY – November 4, 2022 – Hunter Homes and Shelters, the manufacturer of lightweight, durable and easy to build energy efficient homes, has donated two new homes for Kentucky flood victims. Thousands of residences were destroyed or heavily damaged and close to 50 people lost their lives during catastrophic flooding in Kentucky in July 2022. As of October, many families are still living in tents, containers and other makeshift shelters.
A dedication ceremony for two of the new homes was recently held in Breathitt County, Kentucky. This included a special dedication for a home for the family of Amy Henson who was tragically killed during the flooding. Present were local leaders, including Mayor Laura Thomas of the City of Jackson, Senator Brandon Smith, State Representative Chris Fugate, Judge Jeffrey Noble of Breathitt County, Jamie Mullins-Smith of the Kentucky River Regional Prevention Center; and Joanne Miller, a Voluntary Agency Liaison with FEMA. All were also given tours of the sites and observed the unique home construction process. Images from the event https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAdNhU.
“Since founding Hunter Homes and Shelters, we have always been committed to humanitarian support. When we heard about the flooding, we sent a team from New York to see the devastation. Our hearts were broken for these people, many lost family members and all of their possessions. Donating and dedicating these homes means that families can start to get their lives back on track,” said Jack Hunter, founder of Hunter Homes and Shelters.
“Many of our neighbors and family members need help now. The Hunter Homes and Shelters team has stepped up and are making a difference. It is amazing to watch how quickly these homes have been built in just a few days. The families that received these homes are like so many others who lost everything. We will not forget them. This is an important starting point and these are the first of many homes that need to be replaced,” said Judges Jeffrey Noble of Breathitt County.
Hunter Homes and Shelters donated the dwellings, including the transportation and construction of both of the two-bedroom units. Company experts also presented the construction process to more than two dozen local elected officials, state leaders and disaster recovery agencies at a special meeting. Hunter Homes and Shelters’ energy efficient, affordable and quick-to-build systems were well received. They saw that Hunter’s approach is effective and will be an important part of the solution to the emergency housing needs in Kentucky and other areas recently devastated by natural disasters including Florida and Puerto Rico.
A total of 20 counties in Kentucky were impacted by catastrophic flooding with thousands of homes destroyed, leaving countless residents without housing. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), over 6,000 homes were deemed uninhabitable without repair and more than 300 homes were completely destroyed. The American Red Cross also reported that approximately 1,648 homes in Breathitt County alone were considered “majorly damaged” or destroyed as a result of the flooding.
Different from other temporary emergency shelters and homes, Hunter Homes and Shelters’ buildings are durable and energy efficient. They are ideal for meeting short-term emergency housing needs after disasters, as well as permanent structures. These weatherproof shelters are designed to withstand hurricane force winds, tornadoes and blunt force impacts. Built with structural insulated panels, buildings can be constructed with solar panels and can exist off the grid or until power comes back online. Homes include factory-built kitchens with refrigerators, sinks, stovetops and bathrooms equipped with sinks, showers and toilets, bedrooms and living areas. Other amenities include LED lighting along with a heating and air conditioning unit.
For more information about Hunter Homes and Shelters and the assistance the company is providing in Kentucky, visit their website, https://huntershelters.com/.