It’s hard to describe what it feels like to watch hope rise from the ground, one wall, one roof, one structure at a time—but that’s exactly what we’ve been witnessing here in Western North Carolina.

Since the storm turned lives upside down, the National Mental Health Alliance has been working around the clock to show up, stay present, and serve with everything we have. And today, we’re proud—and incredibly humbled—to share that we have officially built 135 structures for individuals and families in need.

These are not just temporary shelters.

They are safe spaces.

Fresh starts.

Signs that someone cares.

From Swannanoa to Hot Springs — We’ve Been Busy

Our work began in Swannanoa, where we built and delivered over 100 structures. We brought food, clothing, heaters, hygiene supplies—whatever people needed to survive the hardest days. What we saw there was heartbreaking. What we experienced was community.

In February, we set up our next base of operations in Hot Springs, NC—a town full of history, resilience, and families trying to rebuild. Since arriving, we’ve already completed 35+ additional structures, and our mission is just getting started.

The Heartbeat of Hot Springs: The Hub & Kitchen

We knew from the beginning that Hot Springs needed more than just housing. It needed a space for connection, for nourishment, for support. So we built The Hub—a community resource center where people can come to receive food, clothing, hygiene products, and, most importantly, kindness.

We have also constructed a fully functional community kitchen—not just to feed our team of volunteers, but to serve the broader community. When our mission in Hot Springs is complete, we will leave this kitchen behind as a gift to the campground and the town. It will remain a lasting piece of what we’ve built together—ready to serve long after we’re gone.

500+ Volunteers. One Shared Mission.

None of this could have happened without the hands and hearts of our incredible volunteers. Over 500 people have traveled from across the country to build, paint, clean, cook, and love on complete strangers.

They’ve worked in the rain, the mud, and the cold. They’ve carried lumber, delivered meals, and made people feel seen. They’ve reminded us all that compassion is the most powerful tool we have.

What’s Next?

We’re still building. Still showing up. Still finding ways to meet people where they are and give them what they need—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too.

Because that’s what this mission is about. It’s not just about tiny homes or kitchens or supply drives.It’s about restoring dignity. It’s about showing people they matter. And it’s about making sure that no one walks through recovery alone.

Thank You for Believing in Us

To everyone who’s donated, volunteered, prayed, shared our story, or simply cheered us on: thank you. You are part of this movement. You are part of every structure we raise and every life we touch.

If you feel called to get involved—please do. The need is still great. But together, we can continue turning heartbreak into hope.