Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina three months ago, but the media’s focus has shifted away from the destruction in its quaint mountain towns. However, one individual remains dedicated to helping the community, earning him the title of a “godsend” among local residents.
Jake Jarvis, owner of Precision Grading construction and demolition, has undertaken tens of thousands of dollars in construction work at no cost since the hurricane struck. His efforts include demolishing damaged homes, constructing bridges, and clearing river crossings. “I couldn’t give them an estimate, so I just said: ‘Well, I’ll just do it,’” Jarvis recalled about a particularly challenging job he worked on late into a January night.
In Bat Cave, North Carolina, residents are surrounded by reminders of the disaster. While many wish to move forward, the emotional burden of leaving behind their damaged homes is heavy. “It’s hard on you mentally because you see devastation every single day,” Jarvis shared, acknowledging his own struggles with witnessing the ongoing destruction.
Jarvis has identified around 30 individuals in urgent need of assistance. For example, an elderly couple had to walk half a mile daily to reach town due to an impassable river crossing; Jarvis leveled the crossing and accepted only donations for his work. Additionally, he demolished a grandmother’s house while salvaging cherished items like a chandelier and a copy of The Little Prince.
Bat Cave Fire Department Chief Steve Freeman praised Jarvis’s contributions, stating, “He was a Godsend coming down through. He opened the roads up so you could get through.” Jarvis has financed several bridge constructions through his personal savings and community donations, demonstrating his commitment to rebuilding the area affected by Helene’s catastrophic impacts.