Mission Appalachia has announced its 2026 Labor Day Home Giveaway, an initiative designed to celebrate West Virginia’s communities while showcasing the region as a place to live, visit and invest.
Throughout the spring and summer of 2026, Mission Appalachia will renovate a historic home on Smithfield Street in Buckhannon, transforming the property into a fully restored residence. The renovation will be documented through a multi-part YouTube series at www.youtube.com/@MissionAppalachia. When the project is complete, one winner will receive the home during a live-streamed drawing on Labor Day 2026.
The project is intended to highlight the charm of Buckhannon while promoting West Virginia as a destination for tourism, outdoor adventure, small-town living and economic opportunity.
“West Virginia is one of the most beautiful and welcoming places in the country,” said Colin Reger, a spokesperson for Mission Appalachia. “This project is about more than renovating a house. It’s about showing people what life in the Mountain State can look like — vibrant communities, incredible landscapes, and a pace of life that still values neighbors and connection.”
Buckhannon, often considered a gateway to the Appalachian Mountains, sits near rivers, forests and trail systems that attract outdoor enthusiasts from across the country. Through the renovation project, Mission Appalachia hopes to spotlight not only the home itself but also the broader culture, businesses and natural beauty that define the region.
The renovation and surrounding community stories will be documented through a video series released on YouTube and social media. The series will highlight local craftsmanship, small businesses and the people who make Appalachia unique.
The initiative also supports community outreach. A portion of proceeds from giveaway-related merchandise will benefit Feed My Sheep Food Outreach, Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to providing food, clothing and essential resources to West Virginians in need.
“No matter where you’re from, the mountains have a way of making you feel at home,” Reger said. “If this project helps even a few more people see the possibilities here, then it’s done exactly what we hoped.”
Residents 18 and older in all U.S. states and Washington, D.C. — except Rhode Island, Florida and New York — can enter by visiting MissionAppalachia.org and completing the online registration form. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Participants may receive additional entries by purchasing Mission Appalachia merchandise, including bumper stickers supporting the initiative.
The winner will be announced during a live-streamed drawing on Labor Day 2026. To follow the renovation and learn more, visit MissionAppalachia.org or follow Mission Appalachia on social media.
