September 15, 2021
Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, Nantahala Health Foundation and Dogwood Health Trust are pleased to announce a new collaborative initiative to address the need for home repairs in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary.
“The leadership from all three of these foundations believe that health and wellness begin when people are safely and affordably housed,” said Dr. Susan Mims, interim CEO, Dogwood Health Trust. “Providing support for the Healthy Homes Initiative will allow Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation and Nantahala Health Foundation to address the most critical needs for home repairs among those who need it most.”
The initiative is targeted to owner-occupied homes of individuals at 60% of the area median income (AMI). Many of these homeowners are unable to afford the repairs needed to maintain the safety and health of their home’s occupants. Others require home modifications to ensure they can safely age in their homes or to address physical challenges or disabilities. Affordability of repairs and home modifications have been further compromised by supply chain and labor challenges exacerbated by COVID-19. Dogwood Health Trust is supporting the Healthy Homes Initiative and the work of HCHF and NHF with a $400,000 grant.
On September 15 HCHF and NHF will open a new grant cycle specifically requesting proposals from non-profit, governmental and faith-based organizations that have demonstrated success in the past identifying and implementing critical home repairs and rehabilitation projects. Both Foundations’ leaders say they look forward to reviewing applications, awarding grants and working together to address safe, equitable and affordable housing for those in need throughout our service area.
Robin Tindall, CEO and Executive Director of HCHF, says, “We are grateful to Dogwood Health Trust for providing our Foundations this collaborative grant opportunity, which will undoubtedly increase our capacity to improve health and well-being for those who struggle to repair their homes. By partnering with NHF, we aim to correct housing conditions that threaten life and safety, such as failing septic systems, defective heating systems, or damaged flooring, etc.”
Nantahala Health Foundation Executive Director Lori Bailey concurred with Tindall’s assessment, adding, “We all know safe and secure housing is a fundamental building block for improved health and wellness for everyone. Yet for many in our community, their safety and wellbeing are compromised because the expense of housing maintenance or needed modifications is beyond their means. We greatly appreciate Dogwood’s faith in our organizations to ensure these funds will make an immediate impact for those who need it most.”
Grant applications will be accepted until the closing date of October 15. Information regarding the grant application process can be found on both HCHF and NHF’s websites.
About Our Partners: 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. Visit HCHF’s website to join us in Lifting Health and Well-Being, Together.
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.