FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Water Well Wish and Anonymous Donor Provide New Water Well for Family Impacted by Hurricane Helene National nonprofit works to provide private water wells to those in need of clean, safe water

 (JEFFERSON, NC--November 7, 2026) — While the nation’s attention is focused on the mass destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, many North Carolinians are still struggling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

When Helene tore through North Carolina on September 27, 2024, it claimed the lives of at least 108 people and devastated countless others. It remains the costliest natural disaster in the state’s history, due to widespread wind and flooding damage. Among those affected were Ashley and Juan Pascual-Ridgely and their three children, whose lives were turned upside down.
“We didn’t have much before the hurricane,” said Ashley Pascual-Ridgely. “But after it came through, we had nothing.”
The family was living in their motorhome when Helene struck. “We have no family in the area, and we had nowhere to go to evacuate,” Ashley explained. As the storm intensified, rain and wind battered their small home, and fallen trees surrounded them. Water eventually poured through the ceiling and walls, destroying their camper and everything inside.
Although they survived uninjured, the family was left with no food, water, clothing, or shelter.
Following the hurricane, Pastor Ken Jones and the Jefferson Friendship Baptist Church community quickly mobilized to collect disaster relief supplies. When the Pascual-Ridgely family stopped by the church seeking propane, they received more than just immediate help—they found a path to rebuilding.
Upon learning more about the family’s circumstances, Pastor Jones was moved to act. “Both Ashley and Juan are hard workers,” he said, “but they’ve battled health issues for years that make it nearly impossible to get ahead.” Determined to help, Pastor Jones and a group of volunteers began constructing a permanent home on the family’s small piece of mountainside property. “It’s not going to be a mansion,” he said, “but it will be very comfortable for them to live in.”
One of the first needs addressed was clean, safe water. Thanks to Yadkin Well Company and funding from an anonymous donor through Water Well Wish, a new water well was drilled on the family’s property.

Water Well Wish, is a program operated by The Groundwater Foundation, which provides funding to drill and rehab water wells for those in need. The Groundwater Foundation is operated by the National Ground Water Association.
“We’ve been struggling for so long,” Ashley said. “But I’ve tried to stay positive no matter what.” That optimism is paying off. With running water now available, the family can shower, cook, and live more comfortably.
Pastor Jones hopes to have the Pascual-Ridgely family in their new home by Christmas—a goal that depends on weather, permits, and volunteers’ schedules. Providing both joy and life’s most basic need—clean water—is the mission of Water Well Wish. And what better time than the holidays to help bring that mission to life.
Water Well Wish and The Groundwater Foundation extend heartfelt thanks to all who have donated time, talent, or treasure to help this family and others like them rebuild after disaster.

To donate to Water Well Wish please visit: https://groundwater.org/water-well-wish/

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