White House (Sage North) Becomes a Lifeline During Ice Storm Blackout
WHITE HOUSE, Tenn. — When a severe winter and ice storm swept through Tennessee earlier this season, it left widespread power outages, dangerous road conditions, and below-freezing temperatures in its wake. At Sage North, a resort-style apartment community in White House, approximately 130 apartment homes lost power for 4 days, leaving many residents without heat, hot water, or internet.
With local hotels fully booked and travel conditions hazardous, the Sage North team acted quickly to support residents facing uncertainty.
“Our area experienced one of the worst winter storms we’ve seen in years,” said Community Manager Jennifer DeFrancesco. “We knew immediately that our clubhouse still had power, heat, and Wi-Fi — so we opened it 24 hours and invited residents to come in, stay warm, and charge devices. We just tried to make the best of a very difficult situation.”
The clubhouse soon became a hub of comfort and connection. Residents gathered around the fireplace, worked remotely using designated quiet spaces, watched movies together, and found reassurance simply by being around neighbors during a stressful time. The team stocked the space with snacks, soups, oatmeal, hot chocolate, and coffee to help residents stay nourished and comfortable.
For many residents, these small gestures carried enormous meaning.
Resident Lamar Glover recalled the uncertainty residents felt as the outage stretched into multiple days. “You were where you were, and that was all you had,” Glover said. “But when the clubhouse opened, it became home for several days. You didn’t feel alone. After a couple of days, you start thinking the situation will never end — so to come somewhere and feel like it’s going to be alright meant everything.”
In addition to providing a warm gathering space, the Sage North team opened showers in vacant apartment homes so residents could take hot showers — a simple comfort that proved deeply emotional for many.
“One resident hugged me in tears and said she didn’t realize how much a hot shower meant until she didn’t have one,” DeFrancesco said. “Moments like that reminded us why we do what we do.”
The storm also revealed the strength of the Sage North community itself. Residents supported one another in meaningful ways — from sharing baked goods and home-cooked meals to helping tidy the clubhouse and check on neighbors. One resident whose apartment retained power prepared chili and brownies for those without electricity, while another resident, who also serves as the property’s landscape vendor, assisted the team by helping clear sidewalks, pick up supplies, and troubleshoot issues when maintenance access was limited.
“These weren’t just gestures — they were acts of kindness that made a real difference,” DeFrancesco said. “We’ve always worked to build a strong sense of connection here, and during this storm it truly showed.”
Glover said the experience reinforced his appreciation for the community and team. “Until you experience something like that — where people come together and help each other — you can’t fully appreciate it,” he said. “This took it to another level. It felt like family. That’s what makes me say this is home.”
While the ice storm presented significant challenges, Sage North’s response highlighted the compassion, resilience, and unity of both its team and residents. In the face of freezing temperatures and power outages, neighbors and staff worked side-by-side to care for one another — turning a difficult moment into a powerful reminder of what community can look like.
“We couldn’t control the storm,” DeFrancesco said. “But we could show up for our residents. Seeing everyone support each other, share resources, and find comfort together is something we will never forget.”
About Sage North
Sage North is a luxury apartment community located in White House, Tennessee, offering thoughtfully designed apartment homes, resort-inspired amenities, and a strong emphasis on connection and resident experience. Follow Sage North on n Facebook
