Heart on Main Street, a nonprofit organization focused on helping independent retailers, has introduced its Independent Rebuild Project as a hands-on initiative to support independent retailers recovering from disaster.
“The concept came as we were discussing what more we could do to help retailers get back on their feet, and I thought this would be a wonderful addition to what we already are doing,” says Executive Director Patrick Keiser.
Keiser adds that the current plan is for Heart on Main Street to offer one Independent Rebuild Project per year, with goals of expanding. He says, “We are hoping their will be so much interest in the program that we are able to look at once a quarter.”
Individuals interested in helping with the Heart on Main Street Independent Rebuild Project can either volunteer their time with the rebuild projects or offer a monetary or product donation toward the cause.
“The Independent Rebuild Project is a vital new initiative from Heart on Main Street that brings our mission to life in a hands-on, meaningful way,” says Keiser. “It’s about more than fixing walls or repainting storefronts; it’s about restoring hope, dignity and opportunity to independent retailers who have been impacted by disaster. By bringing together volunteers and industry partners, we’re not just rebuilding stores, we’re helping rebuild the heart of a community. This initiative allows us to step in when the need is urgent and provide real, tangible support. It aligns perfectly with our core pillars of grants, mentorship and education by offering a bridge between financial aid and physical recovery.”
In August, the nonprofit organization plans to visit Asheville, North Carolina, to support Dogwood Darlings Boutique, a local retailer that had been impacted by Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024. The nonprofit along with a small team of industry volunteers will spend three days on the ground helping to pain, drywall and set up inventory for the retailer in need.
Keiser says Heart on Main Street is still looking for five to eight volunteers who are available from Aug. 12-14 to help with the Independent Rebuild Project in Asheville. Interested individuals can find out more at www.heartonmainstreet.org/indie-rebuild-project.
