A life-saving moment came full circle last week as state Rep. Dean Arp, R-Union, presented a brand new home to the woman he helped save from a house fire earlier this year. The home, made possible by the North Carolina Manufactured and Modular Home Builders Association (NCMHA), was unveiled on Friday morning in Hoffman, North Carolina, a rural town about an hour west of Fayetteville.
Arp made the historic rescue in February when he and his wife were traveling through Richmond County and noticed smoke coming from a home. Arp quickly turned the vehicle around and rushed inside to find 77-year-old Esther Jones in her wheelchair. He brought her to safety just moments before the fire engulfed the home.
In the aftermath, Jones, a cancer patient, was faced with the loss of her home and life as she knew it. Members of the NCMHA, moved by Jones’ story, quickly mobilized to build her a brand new, fully equipped home.
“When we heard about what Ms. Jones had been through, we knew we had to help,” said Billy Owens, president of NCMHA, in a press release. “Our members are in the business of building homes — but more importantly, we’re in the business of building communities. We are honored to stand with Rep. Arp and help give Ms. Jones the safe, comfortable home she deserves.”
The community gathered to watch Jones and Arp cut the ceremonial ribbon and celebrate the remarkable story behind this new home. During the unveiling, Jones expressed her gratitude, describing the home as “beautiful.”
Arp emphasized the significance of community and faith during times of tragedy.
“This isn’t just a house,” said Arp. “It’s a symbol of hope, resilience and the power of community,” he continued. “I’m grateful to the North Carolina Manufactured and Modular Home Builders Association for making this possible and proud to help welcome Esther home.”
The post Hoffman woman receives new home after state lawmaker rescued her from fire first appeared on Carolina Journal.