Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation (HCHF) and Nantahala Health Foundation (NHF) have awarded seven Western North Carolina organizations grant funds from their Healthy Homes Initiative.
The 2023 Healthy Homes Initiative is supported by a $400,000 grant from Dogwood Health Trust to address the need for home repairs in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary.
Organizations receiving grant investments include:
- Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
- Four Square, Inc.
- Hinton Rural Life Center
- International Friendship Center
- Macon County Housing Department
- Mountain Projects, Inc.
- Restoration House of WNC
The initiative is targeted to repair and preserve owner-occupied homes of individuals earning 60% 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.”
Dr. Susan Mims, CEO of Dogwood Health Trust said this is a beneficial collaboration.
“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.”