Nuway Custom Portable Buildings, based in Glasgow, Kentucky, is extending a helping hand to those affected by Hurricane Helence in east Tennessee.
On Thursday, the Glasgow business plans to deliver 10 to 15 portable and tiny homes to Newport, TN.
Jon McDougan, the owner, shared that the donation project began after someone from Knoxville discovered their organization through a Google search and decided to get in touch with them.
Nuway has partnered with individuals to provide a dollar-for-dollar match for the funds they raise, as well as funds raised by their friends. So far, they have successfully raised approximately $100,000.
During his visit to Newport last week, McDougan witnessed the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene and had the opportunity to engage with individuals who were deeply affected by the disaster, having lost everything they owned.
“According to McDougan, the devastation caused by the floods has resulted in the complete destruction of several communities. Many of the affected individuals did not have flood insurance, forcing them to live in tents in their own front yards. The situation is particularly dire as the weather is getting colder, prompting McDougan and his team to find ways to give back. Recognizing the blessings they have received from their successful business, they feel a strong desire to pay it forward and help those in need.”
During the rapid rise of floodwaters, an elderly couple narrowly escaped their home, which was submerged under 30 feet of water in less than 18 hours. They were fortunate to receive a portable structure, as shared by McDougan.
“It began to rise. He even told his wife that he didn’t think they would survive,” McDougan recounted. “Just then, the helicopter arrived and rescued them. They watched in disbelief as their house was swept away by the raging river.”
McDougan also had a conversation with another individual who shared the heartbreaking news that her father had recently passed away. To make matters even more devastating, the land that she and her son had inherited was completely washed away.
“He said that this land belonged to him and they ended up losing every single structure on it. The house they were in was actually lifted off its foundation and then brought down about 150 yards away from its original location.”
Nuway has teamed up with a number of individuals to raise funds and transport the structures to Newport. They are providing a range of buildings in various sizes, including tiny homes for individuals and couples, as well as larger portable homes that can accommodate small families.
When the buildings are delivered, they will already have the electrical framing and foam insulation completed. The residents of Newport will then be responsible for adding the plumbing, fixtures, and finishings to complete the homes.
McDougan expressed his hope of filling the buildings with an abundance of donations, including water, clothing, and other essential items. He warmly invites individuals who have supplies or are willing to make monetary contributions to get in touch with him.
If you want to get in touch with Nuway, you have a couple of options. You can stop by their office located at 2631 New Bowling Green Road in Glasgow, or you can give them a call directly on his cell phone at 270-590-3744.
Deliveries will be made for the next two weeks.
