Rebuilding Hope: A Community-First Disaster Response Partnership
HBA: Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Category: HBA Operations
Location: Asheville, N.C.
Size: 601+ members
Year: 2024
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) and BeLoved Asheville launched a powerful grassroots disaster response effort aimed at rapidly reaching Western North Carolina’s most isolated and underserved communities. With roads destroyed and communication systems down, the partnership deployed Starlink satellite units, hand-delivered life-sustaining supplies and restored vital connections for storm survivors. They aimed not only to offer immediate relief but also to restore dignity, renew hope and strengthen community resilience. This initiative mobilized board members, volunteers and staff to deliver critical resources like food, water, hygiene items and more into hard-to-reach areas, including trailer parks, retirement homes and rehab centers. Thousands of residents received aid within days, long before larger relief agencies arrived. The collaboration exemplified the impact of uniting industry strength with grassroots compassion, laying a strong foundation for future community-first disaster response and equitable rebuilding efforts.
