There are many positive attributes in the shed/portable structure industry.
Friendliness. Outstanding customer service. A focus on quality. Considering one another community, even family.
But one attribute stands out among them all—helping those in need.
Throughout the year, we hear and read about how a shed builder, dealer, hauler, or supplier stepped up to help an individual, a family, or an entire community.
Through fall 2024 until today, that giving attitude has been in overdrive helping the victims of Hurricane Helene—especially those in western North Carolina.
On Sept. 26, Helene made landfall in Florida, reaching Category 4 intensity. The storm weakened over Georgia then dissipated from a hurricane to a tropical storm a few hours later, to a tropical depression near the Kentucky-Tennessee border.
After that, it further weakened to a post-tropical cyclone before dissipating on Sept. 29.
But not before taking lives and causing billions of dollars in damage.
North Carolina was affected most, especially the western part of the state due to flooding.
It’s estimated that 126,000 homes were destroyed there, leaving many without shelter as the winter months approached.
The shed industry is determined to help as many of those affected as possible.
HEART IN ACTION
Sam Byler, president and CEO of the Shed Haulers Brotherhood (SHB), was one of those in the industry who spurred efforts to help the folks in western North Carolina.
“This is what the SHB was created and is geared for,” says Byler. “We organize. We help. Wherever we find a need.
“In this particular effort, we had lost a couple of haulers to depression and suicide, and seeing how likely that would be for these victims, we went at it wide open with that being the vision. Fight suicide and depression.
“It has been incredible to watch this exact thing unfold many times.”
And it didn’t take much for the shed industry to jump in and help.
“A simple Facebook post got a huge response,” shares Byler. “All credit, honor, and glory to God.
“It’s been absolutely amazing. The response is huge and far spread. Sheds from Maine, Michigan, Missouri, and Texas—and every state in between.
“We will be over 150 sheds this week (Dec. 16). The goal of 100 sheds will easily be doubled. Plus, all the big cabins that had funds raised and were done.
“That’s over 200 warm shelters.”
“We have been very blessed this year at Capitol Sheds in Virginia and were able to donate 10 sheds to North Carolina hurricane victims,” shares Rob Wise, owner. “Sam Byler put out a call to action and we were able to make the donation with the help of Jason Riehl at Riehl Quality, Ray at Walton Express, and Keith Stoltzfoos.
“I think it’s great how this industry comes together as a team in times of need.”
Peter Stoll with Sturdi Built Sheds & Cabins in Warsaw, Ohio, was able to donate two structures to the effort.
“I had an accident about a week before the hurricane hit and smashed my leg between my Mule and trailer and broke my leg,” he says. “I was off work for almost a month. I wasn’t able to personally go help with relief work but when I heard about the need for shelter, we decided to donate two buildings.
“We collaborated with Sam Byler and found out what sizes were most useful and built and sent two 8 by 24 lofted barns.
“Chad Weaver hauled them back with him as he was at our place picking up a used trailer he bought from us.
“Those buildings were sent about a month ago. Although we would have liked to send more, we weren’t financially able. I was blessed to see how people in the shed community jumped in and helped with the need.”
CONTINUING EFFORTS
Byler believes SHB’s efforts will run until around Valentine’s Day.
“But check back,” Byler says. “This could go until spring, April. It will definitely end up being over a million dollars in donated value.
“We always need sheds. First and foremost. Without sheds, we have nothing. Then interior supplies. Insulation. Paneling. Trim. Flooring. Some get wiring. We have a handful of electricians who have been phenomenal. They take care of that. We do very little plumbing. Our goal is a warm place. Not a finished house.
“We need volunteers also. We can’t keep up with the demand to bring sheds in, set sheds, and finish out sheds.
“And funds. We can always use funds.”
But most of all, Byler says prayers are needed.
“The stories are heartbreaking,” he shares. “The scenery breathtaking. The devastation unfathomable. The reward unimaginable. The challenge insurmountable. But we carry on.
“To God be the glory, great things He has done.”
And that’s just one of many stories of people in the shed industry mobilizing to help the victims of Hurricane Helene.
These efforts will likely continue into the spring months, so research how you can continue to help through donations of money, time, and effort.Keep answering the call, shed industry!
