Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, Nantahala Health Foundation and Dogwood Health Trust recently announced a continued collaborative initiative to address the need for home repairs in Jackson and other western counties.
Dogwood Health Trust is supporting the Healthy Homes Initiative and the work of HCHF and NHF with a $400,000 grant. The initiative is targeted to owner-occupied homes of individuals at 60 percent of the area median income, including a slate of USDA-qualified allowances. This funding assistance is intended for 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 to aging safely in their homes.
“Our partnerships with Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation and Nantahala Health Foundation are vital to our ability to help create a region where everyone can live, learn, earn and thrive, without exception,” said Susan Mims, CEO of Dogwood Health Trust. “We know that having safe and stable housing is a key driver of health outcomes. HCHF and NHF have deep relationships in their communities and are already working closely with local partners to help keep residents safely in their homes and on a path toward better health.”
HCHF and NHF have launched 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 their service area.
“We are grateful to collaborate with Dogwood Health Trust and Nantahala Health Foundation in this very important initiative” said Robin Tindall, CEO and director of HCHF. “The need for this important initiative is eye-opening and too often goes unnoticed. Good health starts at home, and we are excited to continue to work with many of our local non-profit partners to improve the health and well-being for those who struggle with the costs to make the necessary repairs to their homes.”
“Our region’s low-income individuals and families with children, our senior population and those with physical challenges have enough to think about every day without the added burden and expense of home repairs to ensure their health and safety,” said Nantahala Health Foundation Director Lori Bailey. “In partnership with nonprofit home-repair specialists and with this generous support from Dogwood Health Trust, we can safeguard home ownership and preserve our region’s existing housing stock, both of which are essential components of our mission to improve health and well-being for all who call Western North Carolina home.”
Grant applications will be accepted through Nov. 14. Information regarding the grant application process can be found on both HCHF and NHF’s websites.
