Supporting Those Out of Work
Making things a little easier
Worker Relief Initiative
When businesses shut down, workers lose more than just a paycheck—they lose stability. The Worker Relief Initiative was created to support those left unemployed by the recent floods, helping them cover essential needs as they navigate this difficult time.Â
Rebuild Hot Springs Area was able to raise and distribute $180,000 directly to those impacted most.
Assessing a community left without jobs
- We discovered that over 150 workers were suddenly displaced and left without a job as a result of the storm.
- RHSA granted $180,000 in direct assistance to community workers.
How we found this figure
Between November 15 and December 6, 2024, Rebuild Hot Springs Area collected applications from Hot Springs, NC residents, workers, and businesses affected by the devastating storm that struck our town on September 27, 2024. The applications showed that over 150 community members lost their jobs due to the storm. In response, RHSA provided $750 payments to each affected individual, granting a total of $114,000. We recognize that many are still facing hardships and remain hopeful that we can secure funding for another round of support. For a detailed breakdown of our findings, the full report is available here.
Another round of funding took place in April 2025. RHSA distributed an additional $500 per individual for relief. This brings the total to $180,000 we invested directly into our community members.
It is important to note that these figures are based on self-reported data gathered from community members through our first round of Helene assistance applications. While we made significant efforts to raise awareness about the application, we acknowledge that this data may not fully reflect the extent of the damage to our community, and some individuals may not be represented in this report. We continue to research this topic and will update upon our findings.
Assisting workers is important
Why your support matters
A job is more than just a paycheck—it’s a source of security, stability, and hope for the future. For many in our community, the storm led to business closures, job losses, and economic uncertainty, leaving them without a reliable income. Without immediate support, financial struggles can quickly escalate, making it harder to afford necessities and plan for the future.
Our funding helps ease this burden, giving individuals the assistance they need to stay afloat while they search for new opportunities, so they can focus on rebuilding their lives rather than worrying about how to make ends meet.
Making a real difference
A community effort
Our funding 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.