Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation and Nantahala Health Foundation, with support from Dogwood Health Trust, are pleased to announce that five regional nonprofit agencies and two government units have been awarded grant funds to aid in their efforts to address the home repair needs for low-income homeowners throughout far Western North Carolina.
Agencies selected to receive Healthy Homes Initiative funding are:
- Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
- Four Square Community Action in Andrews
- Hinton Rural Life Center in Hayesville
- International Friendship Center in Highlands
- Macon County Housing Department in Franklin
- Mountain Projects in Sylva
- Restoration House in Bryson City
The initiative is targeted to repair and preserve owner-occupied homes of individuals earning 60 percent or less than the area median income (AMI), including a slate of USDA-qualified allowances. This funding assistance is intended to support homeowners who are unable to afford the repairs needed to maintain the health and safety of their home’s occupants, as well as home modifications required to address physical challenges, disabilities, or barriers elderly residents face to aging safely in their homes.
“We are excited to award these grants for this vital need to assist families who struggle with the costs of making repairs to their homes,” says Robin Tindall, CEO and Executive Director of HCHF. Our Healthy Homes collaborative partnership with Nantahala Health Foundation and Dogwood Health Trust magnifies meaningful opportunities to advance our Foundation purpose to improve health and well-being for our surrounding communities.”
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development states that for many citizens, the most severe health problems start in their homes. Creating healthier housing promotes healthy growth, especially in children, and has the potential to save billions in health care costs annually. The Healthy Homes Initiative is intended to provide resources for those who need them most to remain safely in their homes and securely on a path toward better health.
“We greatly appreciate the leaders of these agencies for their commitment to ensuring the Healthy Homes funds have an immediate impact,” said Lori Bailey, Executive Director of Nantahala Health Foundation. “Safe and secure housing is a fundamental building block for improved health and wellness for everyone. Yet for far too many in our community, safety and well-being have been compromised by out-of-reach expenses related to housing maintenance or modifications. With these funds working in our community, barriers to health will soon be eliminated for those who need it most.”
“WNC has a history of working together to care for one another, and that spirit is embodied in this collaboration,” said Dr. Susan Mims, CEO of Dogwood Health Trust. “We are honored to work with Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, Nantahala Health Foundation, and the local partners to secure safe and stable housing for residents in the region’s westernmost counties so that more of our neighbors can live, learn, earn and thrive, without exception.”
About Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation
The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation was established on February 1, 2019, as a 501(c)3 public charity to improve the health and well-being of Highlands, Cashiers, and surrounding communities. Together with generous donors, the Foundation aims to make positive and lasting change by supporting projects and programs that improve health and well-being in the communities we serve. To date, the Health Foundation has awarded more than 90 grants totaling more than $9 million in grant commitments. Visit www.HCHealthFnd.org and www.facebook.com/HCHealthFnd to join us in Lifting Health and Well-Being, Together.
About Nantahala Health Foundation
Working as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, Nantahala Health Foundation seeks to partner with nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary to achieve better health and wellness outcomes for all. By working to address the upstream, root causes of health inequities and by removing barriers to positive social determinants of health, NHF’s success is seen best in partnerships with regional change-makers. Since its establishment in 2019, NHF has awarded nearly $3.46 million in support to some 175 programs throughout the region. Visit NHF’s website to join our Healthy Future Movement.
About Dogwood Health Trust
Dogwood Health Trust is a private foundation based in Asheville, North Carolina, with the sole purpose of dramatically improving the health and well-being of all people and communities of 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary in Western North Carolina. Dogwood Health Trust focuses on innovative and equitable ways to address the many factors that contribute to overall health and wellness. With a focus on housing, education, economic opportunity and access to care and health resources, Dogwood Health Trust works to create a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn, and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all, no exceptions. To learn more, please visit Dogwood Health Trust’s website.