Reopening Main St.
Creating jobs and commerce
A small contribution can make a life-changing difference
For years, our businesses served this community, providing jobs, services, and a place to gather. Now, after Hurricane Helene’s destruction, we are left picking up the pieces. With your help, we can recover, reopen, and bring our town back stronger than ever.
Reviving our economy
- RHSA has distributed over $680,000 in direct assistance to business owners so far—and we’re committed to doing even more.
- The funds go directly to business owners to assist in purchasing building materials, equipment, and reimbursement for services.
How we distribute funds
Rebuild Hot Springs Area (RHSA) is committed to ensuring that all funds are distributed responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with both donor intent and community need.
Many of the funds we steward come from individual donors, foundations, and grantors who include specific requirements or stipulations. These may relate to factors such as the number of employees, the scale or type of damage, or the intended use of the funds. RHSA carefully reviews and applies these criteria as part of every funding decision to ensure compliance and fairness.
Receipt- and Invoice-Based Reimbursement
Under many circumstances, RHSA distributes funds through a receipt- and invoice-based reimbursement system. Eligible recipients are required to submit documentation showing how funds were used for approved recovery-related expenses. RHSA verifies this documentation before reimbursement is issued. This approach allows us to:
- Confirm that funds are used for their intended purpose
- Maintain clear financial records
- Provide accountability to donors, grantors, and the public
Preventing Duplication of Funding
RHSA also takes steps to account for other sources of recovery funding a business or property owner may have received, such as insurance payouts, government assistance, or other grants. This process helps prevent duplication of funds and ensures that limited recovery resources are distributed as equitably and effectively as possible across the community.
By combining donor-aligned criteria, verification through documentation, and careful coordination with other funding sources, RHSA works to steward recovery funds with integrity while maximizing their impact for Hot Springs and the surrounding area.
Commerce is important
Why your support matters
A business is more than just a livelihood—it’s a dream, a source of independence, and a way to support both a family and a community. For many local business owners, the storm brought devastating losses, forcing closures, damaging property, and cutting off income overnight. Without immediate support, the financial strain can become overwhelming, making it difficult to recover and reopen.
Our funding helps ease this burden, providing business owners with the resources they need to rebuild, adapt, and move forward, so they can focus on restoring their livelihoods rather than worrying about how to stay afloat.
Making a real difference
A community effort
Our efforts wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of donors and volunteers who believe in rebuilding Hot Springs together. Whether through financial contributions, materials, or hands-on labor, our community has stepped up to ensure that no one is left behind in the recovery process.
If you’d like to support our mission, consider making a donation or volunteering with RHSA. Every dollar brings us one step closer to rebuilding our town—stronger and more resilient than before.
Our Designated Funds
Support What Matters to You
Residential Fund
Provides essential assistance to our neighbors whose homes or property have sustained damage.
Business Fund
Helps our businesses in reopening their doors, restoring operations, and getting our community back to work.
Emergency Services
Provides vital resources to first responders and law enforcement, equipping them for future challenges.
Municipal Fund
Eases the strain on local resources as our community works toward recovery.