Rebuild Hot Springs Area (RHSA)
A Grassroots Effort to Strengthen the Place We Call Home
We are a community-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit of volunteers to help rebuild and revitalize our community.
Our mission: RHSA is dedicated to providing relief and support to the residents, businesses, and community organizations of Hot Springs, NC, and surrounding areas in times of crisis.
The Origin
The Rebuild Hot Springs Area organization was established in October of 2024 in the wake of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene. On September 27th, 2024, the storm caused the banks of the French Broad River and Spring Creek to breach, exacerbated by days of heavy rainfall leading up to it. The result was a powerful flood of mud, debris, and devastation that swept through the town. In its aftermath, Hot Springs—once a busting Appalachian community filled with visitors and life—was left in stunned silence, its people now facing the uncertain road ahead.
As the waters receded, the true scale of the devastation became painfully clear. Many of our neighbors’ homes had been damaged, some nearly beyond repair. Our downtown commercial district, once the heart of the community, was left in ruins. The sidewalks that once welcomed Appalachian Trail thru-hikers and happy families soaking in the beauty of our mountains and natural hot springs now lay in pieces. The road that had once guided countless tourists and travelers was reduced to a tangled heap of rubble.
But hope was far from lost. The community came together as one, bound by a shared resolve to support and care for one another. Every person, every business, was determined to rebuild—steadfast in their commitment to restore what had been lost. One thought echoed in everyone’s mind: We will rebuild, and we will build back better than before.
The Impact
The Goal
At Rebuild Hot Springs Area, our focus is on building a sustainable future for Hot Springs—one that honors recovery while preparing for what lies ahead. Our work extends beyond disaster response to strengthening community capacity, providing critical support where needs remain unmet, and investing in long-term preparedness and resilience. While RHSA was formed in response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, our vision reaches beyond that moment. We are committed to restoring what was damaged, protecting the well-being of our community, and creating opportunities that help Hot Springs endure and thrive for generations to come.
Through our four designated funds and targeted initiatives, RHSA maintains the flexibility needed to respond to evolving needs, changing conditions, and emerging priorities. This structure allows us to steward resources responsibly while remaining adaptive, collaborative, and focused on lasting impact.
Meet our team
Empowered by volunteers
The Board of Directors
Ex Officio Seat
The Ex Officio seat on the RHSA Board is reserved for the elected Mayor of Hot Springs. In the mayor’s absence, an elected Alderman may be designated to serve in their place.
This structure ensures ongoing communication, collaboration, and transparency between RHSA and the Town of Hot Springs as we work together to support long-term recovery and community resilience.
With your support, we can continue making a difference.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to aid us in the recovery of our home.