A Community Action Agency Serving Western North Carolina
For more than 60 years, Mountain Projects has been a lifeline in Haywood and Jackson Counties—helping neighbors build brighter futures, stronger families, and healthier communities. We believe in the power of helping people help themselves. Through housing, transportation, senior care, early childhood education, workforce development, and more, our programs meet people where they are and connect them to the tools they need to thrive.
Every story matters. Every person matters. And together, we’re making Western North Carolina a place where everyone has the chance to live with dignity, security, and hope.
Knowing Mountain Projects
At Mountain Projects, we believe everyone deserves a safe environment and work daily to support the social, economic, educational, emotional, and health needs of our clients. We currently operate 20 grant-funded advocacy programs, while continually developing new services to address our region’s unique challenges.
Our board represents all segments of the local population, including community members, organizational leaders, and elected officials from Haywood and Jackson counties. Together, we plan outreach efforts and create comprehensive programs to enhance community wellbeing.
Community Action FAQ
What does a Community Action Agency do?
Community Action Agencies help individuals and families meet basic needs and work toward long-term stability. Services may include:
- Energy assistance (LIHEAP)
- Weatherization and home energy improvements
- Housing assistance and referrals (including Section 8 support)
- Early childhood programs such as Head Start
- Food assistance and referrals
- Workforce training and financial education
Services vary by location, funding availability, and eligibility.
Who can receive help?
Most programs serve households based on:
- Household income (often tied to Federal Poverty Guidelines)
- Household size
- Residency in the agency’s service area
- Program-specific requirements
Eligibility is determined during your intake appointment.
How do I apply for services?
Applying usually includes:
- Contacting the agency or scheduling an intake appointment
- Gathering required documents
- Attending your intake appointment (in person, by phone, or online)
- Staff reviewing eligibility and available funding
- Being notified of next steps
Completing an intake appointment does not guarantee assistance.
What documents do I need to bring?
Most programs require documents for all household members, including:
- Photo ID
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security cards or documentation
- Proof of income from the last 30 days
- Proof of address
- Program-specific documents (utility bill, lease, eviction notice, etc.)
If you are missing documents, contact the agency before your appointment.
How long does it take to receive help?
Processing times vary depending on:
- Program funding
- Time of year
- Number of applications received
Some programs are seasonal and may have waitlists.
Will receiving assistance affect my other benefits?
Most Community Action services do not count as income and usually do not affect benefits such as SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, or housing assistance. Staff can answer questions specific to your situation.
What if I am not eligible?
If you are not eligible for a specific program, staff may:
- Refer you to other community resources
- Place you on a waitlist
Share information about future funding opportunities
Last Year at a Glance
Donations
Combined Total Donations to Mountain Projects: $365,802.82 distributed for Emergency Needs, Flood Funding & Share the Warmth.
Resale stores revenue from Sylva and Waynesville: $359,086.71.
Transportation
Haywood Public Transit provided 42,000 trips and maintained 100% service continuity despite increased demand.
Intake & Reception
Intake & reception assisted hundreds of individuals and families with housing, clothing, transportation, and emergency bill support.
Housing
Smoky Mountain Housing Partnership (SMHP) received a new USDA 523 grant to support 13 future homes, and 5 Section 8 voucher holders became homeowners.
Weatherization & Housing Rehabilitation served 180 homeowners.
HUD/Section 8 served 880 families and made rental payments to 271 landlords of $7.1 million. Was named HUD High Performer. Rehoused 19 of 22 affected families after disaster.
Senior Resources
Haywood Senior Resource Center received 5,981 member visits of all types.
38 Senior Companions volunteers provided 32,113 hours serving 170 clients.
4,026 hours of In-Home Aide Services were provided to 72 clients.
29 Foster Grandparents volunteers provided 25,400 volunteer hours.
Education
Head Start served 195 children, provided preventive dental care for 151 children and age appropriate immunizations for 179.49 Head Start children received specialized disability services.
WIOA supported 11 participants and graduated 6 into high-demand fields.
Health Related
GetCoveredWNC interacted with 3,175 clients and enrolled 619 in Marketplace or Medicaid for a total value impact of $6.4 million.
Mountain Strong Prevention Services reached 2,147 people directly and 160,743 indirectly, educated 269 retailers, distributed 895 lockboxes, 976 alcohol locks and 1,304 Naloxone kits.
Food Services
Food services drove 15,000 miles to provide 21,600 with zero foodborne illness incidents and a 100% on-time delivery rate.
4,865 congregate meals were served to 164 clients.
Current Partners
News From Mountain Projects
Featured Program: Section 8 Housing
The Mountain Projects HUD/Section 8 Program fosters strong, inclusive communities by providing quality, affordable housing to low-income households in Haywood and Jackson Counties. Through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Mainstream Voucher programs, families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities gain the stability necessary to improve their quality of life and achieve greater financial security.
The Section 8 Program strengthens local stability by helping families remain housed and supporting landlords with guaranteed rental payments. Stable housing leads to improved health, employment, and educational outcomes for participants.
