In January 2025, Kisha and Daniel Joyner were selected by Sineath Construction and Tykke Builders to be the recipient of a new home. Below is their story.

Words by Kisha Joyner.

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Daniel and I both grew up in Western North Carolina—he in Buncombe County, and I in Yancey County, on the same property where we later built our life together. Our shared passion for service led us to careers in law enforcement, where Daniel has served as a fireman, EMT, and deputy since 2016, and I’ve worked as a probation and parole officer. It was through our work in Madison County that we met, began dating in 2017, and married in January 2021.

Our home was more than just a house—it was part of my childhood, filled with memories of my parents, who we tragically lost to cancer. After their passing, we faced another heartbreak: we learned we couldn’t have children of our own. In response, we opened our hearts and home to fostering children in need. We never imagined that just a few years later, we’d lose everything again.

The Night of the Storm

The night before Helene, Daniel insisted I pack a bag and stay with my youngest sister in Tennessee. He couldn’t come—his duty as a deputy kept him in Yancey County. When the storm hit on September 27, 2024, I had no way of knowing the devastation unfolding. With no cell service, I couldn’t even be sure if Daniel was safe. When he finally reached me the next day, he didn’t know if we had a home to return to—highways and bridges were washed away.

When Daniel was finally able to reach our property, he found the foundation had been swept out from under our home. The house had shifted, walls had cracked, and the floors were unstable. As time passed, the structure began collapsing. When he told me, my heart broke. Our home was gone—our safe place, our memories, and the last physical connection I had to my parents.

Leaning on Faith and Community

Losing everything leaves you numb, but we were not alone. Our church, West Burnsville Baptist Church, wrapped us in love and support. Our workplaces, friends, family, and even complete strangers stepped up in ways we never could have imagined—donations, prayers, and unwavering encouragement. We received clothing, food, and gift cards from law enforcement and probation offices across the state. The outpouring of generosity has been overwhelming.

When we learned that Sineath Construction and Tykke Builders would help us rebuild, we felt an immense sense of gratitude. Asking for help isn’t easy, but we’ve come to understand that sometimes, God places people in our lives to lift us up when we can’t do it alone.

A New Beginning

This new home is more than just walls and a roof—it’s a fresh start. It means staying in the community we love, fostering children again, and rebuilding our life together. It’s a reminder that out of loss, love and kindness prevail. I look forward to the simple things—morning coffee on the porch, surrounded by the mountains that have always been home.

To those who have supported us or are considering donating, we are forever grateful. We hope to pay this kindness forward, offering the same love and support that has been given to us. This experience has reinforced what we’ve always known—community is everything, faith will carry us through, and every day is a blessing.