Home Builders Fund Helps Rebuild Homes After Natural Disasters

Following the devastation and widespread destruction to communities along the Gulf Coast caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the home building industry banded together to create the Home Builders Industry Disaster Relief Fund (HBIDRF), a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization.

This year, natural disasters have once again left a trail of destruction across the country. In response, the HBIDRF has stood alongside local and state home builders associations as they support their communities and members in times of crisis.

Through partnerships with local organizations, the Fund is dedicated to helping communities recover and rebuild by restoring homes, supporting families, and strengthening neighborhoods. Together, the Fund rebuilds hope, one home at a time.

Here are two recent projects that highlights of the Fund’s work in action:

Local Georgia Builders Rally to Rebuild for Elderly Veteran

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, widespread damage left the Augusta, Ga. region severely impacted, including the home of an 88-year-old army veteran who has been a fixture in the community for over fifty years. Due to the severe damages caused by the hurricane, his home has been rendered uninhabitable, leaving him displaced and without the means to rebuild.

In partnership with the Home Builders Association of Greater Aiken-Augusta Region, the HBIDRF provided $50,000 in grant funding to support the full reconstruction of this local hero’s home. Multiple local members have volunteered to lead the rebuilding efforts, contributing their time, materials, and professional expertise to ensure this veteran can return to a safe and stable home.

This rebuilding project is currently ongoing. If you are interested in donating materials, labor or monetary donations to support this effort, the HBA encourages you to donate directly to the Builders Community Fund or reach out to Jonathan Falk, NAHB’s Director of Disaster Operations.

Restoring Lives After the Ohio Tornado

In March 2024, a significant EF3 tornado struck Indian Lake, Ohio, causing extensive damage to hundreds of homes and structures across the region. Approximately 250 families were displaced following the storm, many of whom were uninsured or underinsured, making recovery especially difficult.

In response to a request from the Western Ohio Home Builders Association, the HBIDRF provided $40,000 in grant funding to a support the demolition of the heavily tornado damaged residence and build a fully new home for two disabled brothers, one of whom is a veteran.

Thanks to this support, and through the tireless efforts of dedicated local builders and contributions from several member companies, the brothers were able to return to a completely rebuild home that could better accommodate their needs.

"Our industry is filled with a lot of good people that want to give back” said Ben Poeppelman, the President of Western Ohio HBA, speaking to the builders impact after the tornado.

The HBA recently held a key-handoff ceremony with the brothers that included the HBA’s leadership and local elected officials in attendance.