Investing in the people who make communities thrive.
Blue Haven, a Chief Cares Mission, is helping restore small towns across America by providing mortgage-free homes to pillars of the community.
What began as a disaster recovery effort has grown into a blueprint for community preservation.
From crisis response to community renewal
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. Lives were lost. Homes were destroyed. Entire communities were left reeling.
In the face of heartbreak, something powerful happened: people showed up. Neighbors helped neighbors. Volunteers cleared debris and offered shelter. It became clear—this place is worth fighting for.
Chief Cares has always stood with people in need. In the aftermath of Helene, we launched Blue Haven to help people not just recover, but remain rooted in the place they call home.
Homes for the helpers. Hope for the future.
As we began development of our first neighborhood, Blue Haven Avery, we quickly realized: it takes more than houses to rebuild a community—it takes the people who live, work, and lead there.
That’s why Blue Haven offers rent-free, mortgage-free homes to educators, healthcare workers, and other pillars of the community—ensuring those who serve their communities can stay part of them.
Keeping the community intact has been my goal all along. What we've learned these past several months is that offering long-term housing to the people who hold our communities together—from those whose homes were lost, to those who are critical to rebuilding—will bring the greatest impact.
Latest from Blue Haven
A look inside the homes and process of Blue Haven
The Avery Journal Times tours the first homes on the hillside outside Newland.
From groundbreaking to life-changing
Rebuilding a community takes more than bricks and building materials.
Blue Haven expands housing program
A new phase opens homeownership to educators, healthcare workers, and local public servants.
A community worth fighting for
One year ago, Hurricane Helene brought Western North Carolina to its knees.
A hand up
This isn't a one-time donation. It's a long-term investment in the people who make our communities strong.
Thanks to generous partners, donors, and volunteers, Blue Haven is building a future where those who dedicate their lives to serving others are rewarded and enabled to nurture roots, create stability, and help their communities thrive.