In the heart of the Junaluska community in Watauga County, North Carolina, stands an old house with a soul as tough as its owner. This house belongs to Rex, a 70-year-old retired Army veteran whose life is a testament to love, sacrifice, and resilience.
Rex’s journey began with a bond of brotherhood. He and his brother enlisted in the Army together, driven by loyalty to each other and their country. But fate had other plans. Rex suffered an injury that kept him from serving overseas alongside his brother—a wound that cut deeper than any physical scar. Despite this, Rex’s strength and determination never wavered.
After his service, Rex settled into life in the historically Black neighborhood of Junaluska, where he built a life rooted in community and hard work. He and his wife worked together at a local convenience store, becoming familiar faces in the area. Their home became a gathering place, filled with warmth and respect, embodying the values of resilience and togetherness. Over the years, Rex faced the loss of his wife, but his connection to his home and community remained steadfast.
Now affectionately known as ”Pappy” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Rex finds joy in their laughter and presence. But the challenges of the present linger. The home he shared with his wife, a sanctuary of memories, has fallen into disrepair. The roof leaked, the windows were drafty, the siding was worn, and the flooring and bathroom were in dire need of replacement. For a man who had always prided himself on self-reliance, asking for help was not easy.
I’ve always been the type of person who never asks anybody for anything and never needed to,. But it just got to the point where, me being a little bit disabled now, the things I used to take care of, I couldn’t. And for the last 10 years, really, I ain’t been able to do nothing.
“I’ve always been the type of person who never asks anybody for anything and never needed to,” Rex shared. “But it just got to the point where, me being a little bit disabled now, the things I used to take care of, I couldn’t. And for the last 10 years, really, I ain’t been able to do nothing.”
When his shower began leaking, Rex knew he had to reach out. That’s when he turned to WAMY Community Action, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals and families in the High Country area. What started as a request for a simple bathroom repair turned into a life-changing effort to restore Rex’s home and dignity.
WAMY, in partnership with Purple Heart Homes, Kingdom Overflow Ministries and other community organizations, saw an opportunity to do more. They replaced Rex’s roof, installed new siding, upgraded 11 windows, laid new flooring, and delivered on his original request—a fully remodeled bathroom. The JROTC pitched in to tidy up the yard, and Owens Corning generously donated materials and VPC Builders offered free labor. Together, the community rallied to preserve not just a house, but a piece of history and a symbol of resilience.
“When your roof is leaking and you have nowhere to go, there’s not another home for you,” said Melanie Jirka, WAMY’s Lead Energy Auditor. “Most of these older individuals will tell you they’d rather stay in their home, no matter the condition, than leave. Your home is your sanctuary, and it’s our mission to make sure seniors like Rex can stay in theirs.”
When your roof is leaking and you have nowhere to go, there’s not another home for you. Most of these older individuals will tell you they’d rather stay in their home, no matter the condition, than leave. Your home is your sanctuary, and it’s our mission to make sure seniors like Rex can stay in theirs.”
For Rex, this outpouring of support is not about charity—it’s about community. “With the economy, there’s a lot of people that need a lot of help,” Rex said. “And if there are people that can help, they should, out of their humanitarian love for people. So, I’m thankful for that.”
WAMY Community Action’s work is made possible by the generosity of donors. While government grants provide some funding, individual donations allow the organization to meet people where they are and address their unique needs. “To everyone who’s donated—whether it’s time, money, or resources—we thank you,” said Allison Jennings, WAMY’s Director of Philanthropy. “When you give, you’re the one helping Rex with his home repair. You’re the one sending kids to camp. You are the one helping the single mom get a new refrigerator. WAMY is just the vehicle. You are the force behind the change.”
Rex’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and the importance of lending a hand—not as a handout, but as a way to lift each other up. Thanks to the efforts of WAMY Community Action and its supporters, Rex can continue to live in the home he loves, surrounded by memories and the dignity he deserves. His house, a symbol of love, sacrifice, and resilience, now stands strong for future generations—a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together.
About W.A.M.Y. Community Action
Established in 1964, W.A.M.Y. (Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, Yancey) is a Community Action Agency and was the first human-service non-profit to come to the High Country’s four-county area. WAMY’s mission is to partner with families and communities to provide the disadvantaged with the support they need to become self-sufficient. WAMY conducts a community needs assessment every three years and programs are designed according to the needs of the community. Currently, WAMY has four programs- Housing & Energy, Youth Development, Food
& Nutrition, and Family Development. Even though WAMY Community Action receives federal and state funding, it still requires donations from individual private donors as these contributions offer greater flexibility to meet growing needs in our communities.
To learn more or donate visit wamycommunityaction.org.
