Rebuild Hot Springs Area (RHSA)

A Grassroots Effort to Restore 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 RHSA, we are focused on forging a sustainable future for our town. Our work extends beyond disaster recovery—we aim to strengthen our community, provide critical aid to those in need, and prepare for the challenges ahead. While our roots stem from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, our vision extends far beyond. We are here to restore, protect, and uplift Hot Springs for generations to come.

Meet our team