Rebuilding Appalachia

I just wanted to do something to help my region. I look at Appalachia as my region; it’s my people.

A new nonprofit led by veteran and realtor Chris Hubbard aims to breathe life into aging Appalachian buildings and expand economic opportunities across the region.
“Rebuilding Appalachia” is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focusing on economic development, historic preservation, and providing job training/employment for military veterans and “at-risk” youth in the Appalachian Region. They have three missions: to acquire, rehabilitate, and preserve historic structures; to utilize the respective areas of these buildings for their intended purposes; and to create opportunities for job training for veterans and at-risk youth. 
When asked about his background and his goals for this project, Hubbard stated, “It starts with family.” Hubbard would go on to share that he was raised in Clay County, and as he grew up in this region, he developed a deep love for it. 
Hubbard would also go on to share that after spending eight years in the Air Force and working in financial advising, local government, and city management, he became very familiar with budgets, financing, and economic development. 
“I just wanted to do something to help my region. I look at Appalachia as my region; it’s my people,” stated Hubbard. “I’ve lived in a lot of different places and seen a lot of different things, but my heart was always here.”
Hubbard emphasized the significance of how his upbringing in Appalachia, combined with his career and experience, influenced his purpose for this project.
In terms of Hubbard’s plans for Barbourville, he shared that the current building they plan to rehabilitate will serve as a model for what is to come to Barbourville and the surrounding areas. 
“We want to take care of that building, and it’s going to be used as the model building to show everybody else this is what we want to do,” stated Hubbard. 
The eventual plan for the building is to create a commercial space on the first floor, a residential space on the second, and a civic space on the third and final floor. Hubbard shared that, “Each floor of that building is going to be like one of our missions.”
Upon completing this building, Hubbard expressed his desire to expand the project to other buildings in the downtown area, including the possibility of restaurants and places where a younger audience could enjoy themselves. 
“It’s going to improve the local area, the standard of living, and the people will be happy to be here,” stated Hubbard.
Since Hubbard has plans for the rest of Barbourville, it was interesting that the current building was the first choice; however, Hubbard shared that it was simply the first choice because it was on the market. 
When asked what the most challenging and rewarding parts of this project were, Hubbard stated, “I think the most challenging so far is just getting our name out there, that’s never easy.” Hubbard shared that it is difficult to gain traction in a fairly rural area, considering that residents may be reluctant to believe a project of this magnitude will follow through until they actually see results take place. However, Hubbard added, “That’s why we want to really focus on getting it completed and redone the way we want to do it so people can see this is what I can do, and yes, we can support this.”
In terms of feeling rewarded, Hubbard shared, “The most rewarding thing is just meeting some of the people who have been here their whole lives.” Hubbard stated that there were multiple times during the Daniel Boone Festival when locals would break down in tears upon hearing of the plans to improve this area, and that it is a very moving and rewarding experience to interact with individuals who share the same love and want to see Appalachia thrive. 
In closing, Hubbard was asked to share what “Rebuilding Appalachia” means in his own words. Hubbard stated, “Rebuilding Appalachia is a results and success-driven nonprofit that’s seeking to make a visible and lasting impact on Barbourville and the entire Appalachian region.”
For those who seek more information on “Rebuilding Appalachia,” or are looking to donate to help the cause, call 606-243-9991, or visit their website at www.RebuildingAppalachia.com.