Homestead Veterinarian Takes Action to Aid Hurricane Helene Survivors in N.C.

Army veteran Jeremy Hill, a resident of Maricopa, is mobilizing support for victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. With personal ties to the state—having undergone airborne training at Fort Bragg and having family in the region—Hill felt compelled to respond to the devastation.

This Sunday, he will be transporting a 16-foot trailer filled with essential supplies and donations from Arizona to those affected by the hurricane, which has tragically claimed at least 300 lives. “I just couldn’t sit back and not do anything,” he stated, emphasizing the dire situation portrayed on social media.

The local Maricopa VFW post is considering a donation of water, while a Walmart employee has contributed pallets of food and water. Local dentists have also chipped in, providing personal hygiene items. Cash donations have enabled Hill to purchase additional items, including chainsaws and fuel, enhancing the relief efforts.

Hill expressed gratitude to clients of his business, JBH Maintenance and Remodeling, who have paused projects to allow him time for this mission. The local Home Depot manager has supported him by holding supplies until his return and offering discounts on materials purchased with cash contributions.

Although his trailer is only halfway full, Hill is determined to head to North Carolina on Sunday to aid as many people as possible. Together with his wife, a retired paramedic, they plan to distribute donations and provide on-the-ground assistance. “I can help with search and rescue while she takes care of first aid,” he explained.

Having experienced a significant hurricane during his youth in Florida, Hill empathizes with the challenges facing the victims. “If I can make somebody’s day just a little bit better, then this won’t all be for nothing,” he remarked. He believes that government efforts have fallen short and feels it is his duty to step in. “When I took an oath, it was to protect everybody,” he added. 

Hill has arranged to meet several military friends near the North Carolina border, who will also bring supplies, as he has received warnings about FEMA confiscating donations en route. “I want to get it directly to the people who are hurting,” he asserted.

He encourages others to contribute, either by donating to him or supporting organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and Cajun Navy, which are actively providing aid. “They’re doing all of this out of the goodness of their heart,” he said.

For those interested in supporting Hill’s efforts, he can be contacted through his business’s social media channels or at 623-305-2510. He welcomes both donations at his home in Homestead and offers to pick up items as well. “Anything you can do to help…we’ll take it because people have nothing,” he urged, hoping to fill the trailer and assist as many individuals as possible.