Rebuild Hope: January Update – Disaster Recovery Progress, Partnerships, and Big Wins for 2025

The new year is off to a strong start for Rebuild Hope, and we’re excited to share the latest developments in our ongoing recovery efforts. From securing new partnerships to expanding volunteer initiatives, we’re making real progress for families in need across Ashe County and beyond.

Major Updates and Wins

1. Strengthening Our Leadership & Influence

Rebuild Hope is stepping into a larger role in long-term recovery. Jordan Forsythe has been appointed as the Volunteer Coordinator on Ashe County’s Long-Term Recovery Group’s Executive Committee. This gives Rebuild Hope a direct voice in decision-making around funding and resource allocation—an incredible opportunity to ensure support reaches the families who need it most.

2. Expanding Tools & Resources for Volunteers

We’re finalizing the location for a community tool shed, a key resource for rebuild projects and volunteer efforts. The goal is to have it ready by March to support a large-scale spring rebuilding event.

3. Training & Firewood Relief Efforts

In collaboration with NC State University, Forest Guild, and the Women’s Skills Academy, we are hosting a two-day chainsaw training course at the Creston Volunteer Fire Department on February 1-2. This program will train 50 new volunteers, equipping them with the skills needed for recovery efforts.

Following this, on the weekend of February 15, we’re organizing a major firewood relief event. With a team of volunteers traveling from Indiana, we’ll be cutting down trees and splitting firewood to distribute to families in need.

4. Partnering with Experts for Infrastructure Recovery

On January 30, Rebuild Hope will participate in a strategic site visit with the Army Corps of Engineers, geologists, and the New River Conservancy. This collaboration will focus on long-term solutions for recovery and rebuilding efforts in the region.

5. Rebuilding Homes & Restoring Stability

Our rebuilding projects continue at full speed, with multiple homes currently under construction or repair. These efforts will provide safe, stable housing for families, elderly residents, and those in low-income situations who were impacted by recent disasters. We expect several of these homes to be completed in February, helping families move forward with renewed hope.

6. Expanding Volunteer Support & Community Partnerships

• We’ve secured storage space for building materials and are working on an office location to improve coordination.

• Additional propane support is being directed to another community in need.

• Volunteer retention remains strong, but as burnout affects local and visiting teams, we’re bringing in new recruits from Sparta, TN, and Mennonite volunteers from Alabama to support ongoing efforts.

  
  

Looking Ahead

The momentum is building, and we have ambitious goals for the coming months. With more homes to rebuild, new volunteers to train, and resources to distribute, we need your continued support.

🚜 Want to help? Sign up to volunteer, donate, or spread the word about Rebuild Hope’s mission.

Oh, and on a personal note—Jordan finally got to drive a fire truck, fulfilling a lifelong dream! 🚒

Thank you to every single volunteer, donor, and supporter who makes this work possible. Together, we’re rebuilding lives, one home at a time.