From the moment Shanna Smith, deputy director of Effingham Emergency Management Agency (EEMA) stepped into Peggy Rouse’s home, she knew the situation was serious. A tree was entering the house from the roof, water was seeping inside, and the walls were covered in black mold.
“I was in complete shock,” said Smith. “I told her she couldn’t stay there any longer.”
Along the way, several people and organizations stepped forward to help — community members, local responders, and businesses like City Electric Supply (CES) Rincon, Centaur Home Renovation Services, and Michael’s Roofing — all working to bring support when it was needed most.
A neighbor facing a growing crisis
After Hurricane Helene hit Rincon in 2024 and caused widespread damage across the community, 83-year-old Rouse lost power in her home. Living independently without close family nearby, she wasn’t sure what to do next. She reached out to EEMA hoping for guidance and was connected with Smith.
In the months that followed, Rouse stayed at Family Promise of the Coastal Empire several times after losing power; first due to the hurricane, and later during snow and heavy rainstorms. Each time, Smith ensured she made it home safely. Although Rouse wasn’t initially ready to invite anyone inside, Smith continued checking in.
Once Smith did enter Rouse’s home, the extent of the damage became clear.
While the roof had been tarped as a temporary measure, over time, moisture worked its way inside, leading to widespread damage. Mold had spread, water damage had worsened, and a failing septic system left her without running water — all challenges that had quietly built up.
Rouse could no longer stay there safely, but what followed after was a surprise to everyone.
From an estimate visit to a community movement
Wanting to find a long-term solution, Smith began researching grant programs to help cover repairs. The first step was securing an assessment of the home’s damage.
That’s when Rouse’s neighbor contacted Matt Evans who also lived nearby and owned Centaur Home Renovation Services and Centaur Demolition & Disposal LLC. But when Evans walked into the house for the first time, he immediately knew this was more than an estimate visit.
“When I walked into the house, there was an immediate smell of mildew and mold,” Evans said. “If you’ve ever been in a home like that, you know it — your throat starts to itch.”
Once he saw the full scope of repairs, Evans knew waiting wasn’t an option. Determined to find additional support, he turned to Facebook and asked if anyone would be willing to help.
“I told Shanna and Ms. Peggy I didn’t know how far my efforts would go, but we can at least try,” Evans said. “I just felt determined to get the roof replaced so we could start a demolition.”
What began as a request for an estimate quickly turned into something much bigger.
Michael’s Roofing, a commercial and residential roofing contractor based in Meldrim, Georgia, responded and agreed to repair the roof. Neighbors showed up. Contractors volunteered. Even kids pitched in to help.
After demolition, however, progress stalled again. Materials were needed to move forward. Edwards Interiors, Inc. reached out asking what materials they could donate. From there, the community continued to show up for Rouse, one after another.
Local businesses step in — including CES Rincon
Shortly after Curtis Shuman, owner and electrician at LCD Electric got involved, he was happy to find out a trusted friend, Dustin Brown, branch manager at CES Rincon, would also be helping.
“I’ve known him for years,” Shuman said. “I’m glad Dustin was able to help because he has helped me all the time. He’s never been one to do the bare minimum; he’s always looking for ways to do more and help.”
Brown had already seen Evans’ Facebook post.
“Matt posted asking for help on a Facebook community group page I’m also on,” Brown said. “I messaged him and told him I’d supply any electrical materials they needed.”
To this day, the two haven’t even exchanged phone numbers.
“I’ve seen him around, but I still don’t have his phone number,” Brown said with a laugh. “But if they needed anything, we were going to help. I was saddened seeing the situation she was in, so we had to do something.”
With CES Rincon supplying electrical materials and LCD Electric donating labor, large portions of the home were rewired after walls and ceilings were torn out. Outdated lighting was replaced with energy-efficient LED lamps, and recessed lighting was added throughout the house.
“We wanted to give her LED lights because they’re a lot cleaner and cheaper to operate than the old lighting she had,” Shuman said. “So, as a result, we were able to install something that would help lower her energy bill.”
Edwards Interiors, Inc. later reached out asking what materials they could donate. One by one, businesses and neighbors continued stepping in.
“Not everyone is in the position to donate materials,” Evans said. “Thank you, CES Rincon, for your help; it’s greatly appreciated.”
More than a rebuilt home
In just seven months, from June 2025 through January 2026, Rouse’s home underwent a full home renovation after a hurricane.
HVAC, electrical, plumbing, insulation, drywall, lumber, flooring, cabinetry, appliances, furniture, landscaping, and other services were donated. More than 70 trees were removed from the property to prevent future damage. GoFundMe donations supported additional needs. In total, an estimated $160,000 in labor and materials was contributed.
Rouse’s return home marked changes that extended far beyond the renovation.
Rouse, who once kept mostly to herself, now knows all of her neighbors by name. Instead of having groceries delivered to her home, she now shops for groceries in person. She visits the senior center and regularly spends time connecting with those around her.
“Hurricane Helene ended up being a blessing in disguise,” Smith said. “Because of that phone call, we were able to connect everything together. It was person after person helping her; it was really beautiful to watch. I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life.”
“The right people came together at the right time,” Evans said. “None of this happens without a community willing to show up.”
Today, Rouse not only has a safe place to call home, but she also has a community of people whom she now calls friends.
