What does it look like to turn heartbreak into a habit of help? We sit down with Barbara and Joey Brown, the couple behind Crosses for Hope, whose storm-side response grew from chainsaws and cedar into months of heavy equipment, rebuilt driveways, and hope restored in Bat Cave, North Carolina. Their story starts with a simple pattern they heard at every door—“I’m fine, can you check on my neighbor?”—and becomes a blueprint for resilience powered by community.
We trace the origins of their cedar crosses, crafted not as public religious symbols but as private beacons that say tomorrow can be better. As seasons changed and resin wouldn’t set, the mission shifted to what the mountains needed most: fuel, a dually, a trailer, and boots on the ground to move excavators, set culverts, and stabilize homes. The Browns even traded a treasured ’79 custom Corvette to keep the work moving. Along the way, they focused on veterans, seniors, and families who lost everything, reminding us that real recovery isn’t a headline—it’s a thousand small wins.
We also share a clear-eyed snapshot of the local real estate market—more homes sold year to date, softening prices, and easing rates—and frame it with a simple truth: life happens, therefore real estate happens. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating to be near family, or starting a new chapter after the storm, your next move should protect your wealth, preserve your legacy, and keep your freedom intact. This conversation blends heart and logistics, from neighborhood grit to practical steps for navigating change with purpose.
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