July 15, 2026 – Madison, WI – When we talk about building communities, it’s often in the context of the developments we create, the buildings we construct, and the apartment homes we manage. But sometimes, building community means stepping outside our day-to-day work and lending a hand where it’s needed most.
In June, 10 members of the Horizon Construction team traveled to Tennessee as part of Horizon Helps, an employee volunteer initiative, partnering with Experience Mission to support a community still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Their goal was to rebuild the deck at Beantrees Café, a beloved family-owned restaurant whose outdoor gathering space had been destroyed by the storm. What began as a construction project quickly became something much bigger.
Over four days, the team completed an ambitious scope of work that included setting two 80-foot beams, installing joists and decking, and constructing cedar railings. Through teamwork, determination, and expertise, the project was completed ahead of schedule, restoring a fully functional outdoor space for the restaurant and the surrounding community.
But the lasting impact wasn’t measured in feet of decking or hours worked.
Throughout the week, community members stopped by to share their stories, express gratitude, and explain what the café meant to them. For many of our volunteers, these conversations transformed the project from a construction assignment into a deeply personal reminder of the role community spaces play in bringing people together. As one volunteer reflected, “Hearing how much the deck meant to the community made me realize it was much more than just a construction project. It was a place where people gathered, connected, and supported one another.”
The restaurant owner’s emotional reaction as the deck took shape reinforced the significance of the work. Volunteers witnessed firsthand how restoring a physical structure could help restore hope and create another step forward in the community’s recovery journey.
The experience also strengthened relationships within our own team. Many of the volunteers had never worked together before, yet long days on the jobsite and evenings spent sharing stories created bonds that will last long after the project is completed. Vice President Ryan Alvin summarized the experience best: “My heart was full from the experience, not only from serving the local community, but from seeing the strength, compassion, and teamwork of our Horizon team firsthand. It was an inspiring reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together to help others.”
One of the most memorable moments came when the volunteers realized they had become known throughout the area as “those Wisconsin boys” who came to help. Whether they were picking up supplies, grabbing a meal, or talking with local residents, community members recognized them and appreciated the work they were doing.
This mission trip was especially meaningful because it marked the inaugural Horizon Helps Experience Mission Trip, an initiative we intend to continue annually as we look for opportunities to serve communities in need and live out our core values of Integrity, Respect, Compassion, and Honesty. The experience reminded all of us that our greatest impact isn’t always measured by what we build, but by the lives we touch along the way.
The completed deck now stands as a symbol of resilience, generosity, and the power of people coming together for a common purpose. More importantly, it serves as a reminder that when we invest our time, talents, and hearts into helping others, we build something far greater than structures; we build stronger communities.