DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) - Families who lost nearly everything during Hurricane Helene are set to return to rebuilt, fully furnished homes at Sims Park following a community volunteer effort this weekend.

Volunteers gathered at the park to furnish the homes with couches, tables, beds, silverware and more before families arrive for a reveal Tuesday.

Lisa Regan, senior director of St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, said the project reflects the Douglas community’s continued recovery from the storm.

“This project means hope to me. Real hope. Tangible hope. Not false hope,” Regan said. “These families that are moving into Sims Park lost everything with Hurricane Helene.

Devis Burnam, executive director for Hope for Coffee, said the effort has shown her what it means to help families start over.

“It’s just really great when there’s collaboration across the board,” Burnam said. “Helene was a horrific disaster. And to have a solution and to see such beautiful homes — I can’t wait till the families see their homes on Tuesday.”

Volunteer Susan Hansen also said it means a lot to her to help those affected by the storm.

According to officials on site, the homes are expected to be fully furnished by the end of the weekend ahead of Tuesday’s reveal.

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