Jennifer and Edward Hahn lost their home

Sept. 30. A massive tree fell and struck the home of long-time residents Jennifer and Edward Hahn on Magnolia Estates Drive during the height of Tropical Storm Helene’s passage through Lake Norman.

The couple said no one was injured, although Jennifer was home at the time. She heard a crashing noise as the tree broke through the roof, attic and second floor of the two-story frame home.

A crane helped with tree removal at the Hahn home

The house shifted on the foundation.

With help from friends, neighbors and co-workers, the Hahn’s got as much as they could into a storage unit. (Jennifer was a long-time waitress at Atami Grill and Maola’s.)

They may be somewhat fortunate in another way:

Flood insurance is not included in standard homeowners insurance policies, but damage from falling trees would be.

The Hahns, who have insurance, are staying in a hotel along with their dog.

The bigger picture

Gov. Roy Cooper is encouraging donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help communities recover.

“There is a massive effort underway to get help to the people of Western North Carolina including state and federal relief but we know there will be additional needs,” Cooper said. “If you’re able to give, please consider a donation to help North Carolinians as they clean up and recover from Helene.”

To donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will go to nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims. United Way of North Carolina is the fiscal agent for the Fund and will provide grants and reimbursement to nonprofits working in impacted communities.