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Home for the Holidays After Harvey

December 22, 2017

The phrase “home for the holidays” has a deeper meaning this year for two Port Arthur, Texas homeowners.  

Priscilla Cain and Allen Abshire, who live just blocks apart, lost everything during Hurricane Harvey. In the days following the storm, Ms. Priscilla slept in the back seat of her Jeep with her two dogs. Mr. Allen stared at the beams of his home wondering how he would ever repair it.

In partnership with Operation Blessing, The Home Depot Foundation committed to helping them with the long-term recovery process. As the homeowners viewed their devastated homes, they were told that volunteers would do their best to have drywall complete by the holidays.

Little did they know they would be returning to fully renovated homes, complete with cherished family portraits, in time for the holiday season.

As an added surprise, Sarah Fishburne, director of trend and design at The Home Depot, and 50 local associates completey decked out their homes for the holidays. “We wanted to spread some holiday cheer to Ms. Priscilla and Mr. Allen,” said Sarah. “After everything they have been through, the last thing we wanted them to think about as they resettle was decorating for the holidays.”


This volunteer project is a part of The Home Depot’s ongoing commitment to help communities rebuild after natural disasters. Most recently, The Home Depot Foundation committed $3 million to aid communities affected by this year’s natural disasters. Fourty homes will be rebuilt through The Home Depot Foundation’s partnership with Operation Blessing alone.