With the intention of honoring community members and helping those in need, the North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA) has partnered with a local builder for a new project, Builders Honor First Responders. Through the collaboration, a home is being built to benefit the family of a fallen first responder in central North Carolina.

Raleigh-based New Home Inc. is leading the construction of a home in Lillington, N.C., that will be listed for sale once complete. Proceeds will benefit the family of Deputy Chris Johnson, a Harnett County sheriff’s deputy who died from injuries he suffered in a vehicle crash in February 2024.

“This project shows the heart of North Carolina’s home building industry,” said Tim Minton, NCHBA executive vice president. “When the idea for this partnership came forward, it was an easy ‘yes.’ Supporting those who serve and protect our communities is something we are proud to stand behind.”

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the homesite on Oct. 2 to officially kick off the project. In attendance were team members from NCHBA, New Home Inc. and community leaders, who joined Deputy Johnson’s family. Members of the United States Veterans Corps helped plan the event and organized a parachute jump that landed at the homesite to present a flag to Deputy Johnson’s family.

“It’s an honor to lead this charitable build in Harnett County,” said Rich Van Tassel, owner of New Home Inc. “First responders give so much of themselves to protect our communities, and when tragedy strikes, it’s our turn to step up for their families.

New Home Inc. is working with local contractors and suppliers who are donating labor and materials so the sale can benefit the family as much as possible. The home is expected to be completed and listed for sale by this spring.

NCHBA Director of Communications Jeff Turner said Van Tassel felt like this was a local need without a charitable organization addressing it. Recognizing that, Van Tessel approached NCHBA about a partnership through the NC Home Builders Educational and Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the North Carolina Home Builders Association.

Builders Honor First Responders builds on an existing foundation program, Operation Coming Home, which constructs and donates homes to injured service members or to the families of those who have been killed in the line of duty. Turner said the group hopes to complete another Builders Honor First Responders project for a family in need soon.

“We’re always looking for ways the home building industry can serve communities in North Carolina,” Turner said. “Not only are we building new homes for people, but we’re able to help a family who’s faced significant challenges.”