Thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Mission Team of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina (PWNC), Smoky Mountain Housing Partnership (SMHP) will continue its mission of helping families achieve the American dream of homeownership.

As the affordable housing division of Mountain Projects, SMHP partners with nonprofits and finance entities to provide homeownership services such as credit evaluation, mortgage sources, down payment assistance, self-help housing, and turn-key homeownership opportunities. 

In 2023, the Mission Team of PWNC created an Affordable Housing Grant program that awards funding for the development of buildings, living spaces or properties. Nonprofit organizations who partner with a PWNC member congregation are eligible to apply for the grant.

Spearheaded by its Mission Team, First Presbyterian Church of Waynesville (PCUSA), a member of the PWNC, served as the partnership congregation for SMHP, allowing the organization to apply for the Affordable Housing Grant last year.

“Affordable housing is something that’s needed in Haywood County and all over the US,” said Melonie Gross, chair of the Mission Team at First Presbyterian Church of Waynesville. “Anything that helps support that only does good.”

The congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Waynesville generously funds their Mission Team with 10 percent of total church contributions as they carry out the church’s mission to “Love God and Love Our Neighbors.”

“We meet and determine which organizations we want to support during the year,” Gross said, noting that supporting affordable housing was on the list. “We are just happy to have facilitated getting this grant for the Smoky Mountain Housing Partnership.”

The Mission Team and its Pastor Holly Davis presented a check to SMHP and Mountain Projects on March 20 at Mountain Projects’ Bethel Village development in Jonathan Valley. 

Bethel Village is a self-help housing subdivision in which qualifying participants work within a small group of 4-6 families to help each other build their homes under the leadership of a construction supervisor.

“We got to tour one of the houses,” Gross said. “It’s a great starter home.” 

 The grant will be used to upgrade and secure the tools used for self-help housing projects.

“This grant will allow us to have a work trailer to be able to move from location to location,” said Patsy Davis, Mountain Projects Executive Director. “I want to say how encouraging it is to have faith-based efforts to preserve the American dream of homeownership. It’s hard to do that now without a lot of money and resources, so when we have that it really is inspiring.”

 Davis will be attending First Presbyterian Church of Waynesville on April 14 along with SMHP Construction Manager, Chris Stevens, to lead the discipleship hour at 9:15 am and talk about what SMHP is doing throughout the community.

 SMHP was one of eight non-profit organizations to receive an Affordable Housing Grant from the Mission Team of PWNC. To learn more about the PWNC, visit https://www.presbyterywnc.org/

 Monetary support and volunteers are always needed for SMHP. To learn how you can help, visit https://smokymountainhousing.org/.

 

HOLIDAY REQUEST – While many members of the community are out shopping for Christmas presents this time of year, others may be worrying about how they are going to pay their heating bills.

For Patsy Davis, the executive director of Mountain Projects, this time of year is always a reminder of the young families, low-wage workers or people on Social Security who desperately need emergency heat or utility assistance.

Davis’s commitment to the cause is driven by her memory of a news story she read about in which a family lost their life while trying to stay warm in Haywood County.

“I am forever reminded of that tragedy and about how important it is to keep people with heat in the winter,” Davis said. “All children and seniors deserve a place of safety that is warm and safe.”

Mountain Projects is keeping vulnerable families from falling through the cracks by using donations to provide emergency heating and utility assistance to keep them warm, safe, and secure.

And this year, the need for heating assistance is higher than ever.

“Our heating assistance fund is critically low,” said Davis. “And yet we have been seeing an increase in senior citizens having trouble paying their utility bills. Oftentimes, the older we get the more heat we need to stay warm.”

To celebrate Davis’ birthday on Christmas Day this year, Mountain Projects is asking for donations for its emergency fund and heating assistance fund – which is how the nonprofit can help families with their most urgent needs.

Any donations made to these funds are unrestricted; this means that these donations can be used for any kind of crisis that may arise.

“We had a 76-year-old man come in who was behind on his mortgage because his significant other went into long-term care,” Davis said. “Another time, someone needed tires. You never know what kind of situation is going to walk through the door. But without donations, we have to turn people away and say no.”

And according to Davis, being able to help these families that walk through the doors doesn’t only restore their livelihood, it gives them strength to keep going.

“I really think when you can help somebody, you restore their hope,” she said. “Just a little support can restore people’s hope and drive to carry on.”

 It all started at Head Start

Anyone who knows Davis will agree that she has a deep connection with community outreach, which likely started when she was in preschool.

Davis grew up in Cullowhee and attended Head Start in Jackson County in the late 60s.

“I’m a Head Start child,” she said. “I remember an outreach worker came to my house and recruited me. They had toys there like we didn’t have at home. I don’t remember last week, but I remember my days in Head Start.”

The Mountain Projects Head Start program is available at no cost to qualifying families on a first-come, first-served basis for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.

In addition to offering childcare services at no cost, all other supplies such as diapers, formula or other food items are supplied by Head Start as well.

“We now have Head Start in the same location where I went to high school,” Davis said with a laugh, noting that she attended Cullowhee High School, which has now been turned into the Kneedler Child Development Center at WCU.

Davis had always wanted to be a teacher. She recalls sneaking away from her high school classes to go work with the younger children, who were in the same building.

“I probably should have been learning but I loved it,” Davis said.

Davis followed her dream of working with students in the classroom, but some things she saw made her change her major while at Western Carolina University.

“I didn’t know that children were without clothes and were hungry,” she said. “I thought, ‘These children can’t learn when they’re hungry and don’t have a place to sleep.’ So, I changed my major to social work.”

And so began Davis’s career of changing lives. 33 years later, she is still at the helm of Mountain Projects, crusading for the safety and security of vulnerable families all over WNC.

“Every contribution, every act of generosity is a blessing to a person in need,” Davis said, noting that currently, the organization receives an average of 10 emergency requests a day. “A lot of times everything is OK until their husband or wife passes away or has to go into long-term care. Then all the sudden they don’t have that income anymore. The community helps us solve serious problems like this when they make donations.”

This holiday season, consider donating to a cause that will go directly back to the community, and do it with Davis in mind.

With your help, we can restore the heating assistance fund and help make December 25 even more special for the woman who is always there for the community when they need it most.

To make a donation, visit https://mountainprojects.org/product/heatingassistance/ or https://mountainprojects.org/product/campaign_2023/.

You may also contribute by check by mailing it to Mountain Projects, Inc., 2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville NC 28786, Attn. “Winter Warmth” or “Emergency Fund.”

 

RECOGNITION – Haywood County Government proudly recognizes the outstanding contributions of Jan Plummer from Mountain Projects, Celesa Willett from United Way of Haywood County and Mebane Rash with EdNC, in their dedicated efforts towards the success of the GetCovered WNC/Milltown Health Care Initiative. They were honored at the Haywood County Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, December 18th, 2023.

The initiative, aimed at providing crucial healthcare coverage for former mill workers and individuals affected by the Pactiv Evergreen closure, has made significant strides in improving the well-being of our community. The collaborative efforts of Jan Plummer, Celesa Willett and Mebane Rash have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.

Through generous funding support from Dogwood Health Trust and the Haywood Healthcare Foundation, Mountain Projects’ certified application counselors, led by Jan Plummer, have played a pivotal role in assisting former mill workers and those impacted by downsizing in finding suitable healthcare coverage for themselves and their families. The initiative recognizes the importance of accessible and comprehensive health coverage in ensuring the overall health and resilience of the community.

One of the key highlights of the GetCovered WNC/Milltown Health Care Initiative is the provision of financial support to workers. Thanks to the dedication of Celesa Willett from United Way of Haywood County, individuals enrolled in the program have received up to $500 per family member per month as reimbursement for health insurance premiums. This financial assistance has alleviated the burden on families, allowing them to prioritize their health and well-being without compromising on other essential needs.

Mebane Rash and her dedicated team at EdNC have played a crucial role in championing Haywood County. Through their diligent efforts, they have adeptly navigated various resources and forged valuable connections to support this vital initiative.

“The GetCovered WNC/Milltown Health Care Initiative is a shining example of community resilience and compassion,” says David Francis, Haywood County Economic Development Director. “Their commitment reflects the collaborative spirit that defines our county, and we extend our deepest appreciation for their tireless efforts.”

This initiative stands as a testament to the positive outcomes that can be achieved through public-private partnerships and the unwavering commitment of individuals like Jan Plummer, Celesa Willett and Mebane Rash. Haywood County looks forward to continued collaboration and success in ensuring the health and prosperity of its residents.

To learn more about GetCovered WNC, click here.

In order to make sure that our programming aligns with the needs of our community, we request your assistance in filling out the accompanied survey. The survey is designed to provide us with accurate information about housing conditions in our community and the housing situations of our residents. Survey information will be used to:

  • Help Mountain Projects staff develop a housing plan
  • Identify housing projects that will meet the needs of our community
  • Provide information to pursue funds for housing projects through state, federal, and private sources

Please complete the survey by 12/31/2023. The information you provide will be kept confidential and anonymous.
Your cooperation and assistance is greatly appreciated! Remember, this survey is important in identifying housing projects and funding for which Mountain Project’s clients may qualify!

 

Community Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/AJsXZ1bwmT

Employer Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/ACVKpAQDpp

Real Estate Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/D3cr4J0XwN

HAYWOOD COUNTY – For several years, the Waynesville Rotary Club has held a successful Blanket Drive before Christmas with the blankets and proceeds donated to Mountain Projects. In 2023, the Blanket Drive will be held throughout November.

Led by Waynesville Rotary and in collaboration with other Service Clubs, including Altrusa, Kiwanis, Lions Club Canton, Lions Club Clyde, and Haywood County and Sunrise Rotary Clubs, the service clubs generated more than 300 blankets in 2022. 

In 2023, the Rotary is inviting Haywood County banking institutions and credit unions to join the effort.  Mountain Credit Union, a bank that participated in the Drive last year, will participate again this holiday season. New participants include HomeTrust Bank, Waynesville and Clyde, United Community Bank, and WNC Community Credit Union.

There are three ways to participate and provide blankets to Mountain Projects:

(1) Blankets can be purchased and collected by the local Clubs/Institutions and then distributed to Mountain Projects by a representative of the organization.

(2) Blankets from individuals or groups can be delivered directly to Mountain Projects, 2177 Asheville Road, across the road from Junaluska Elementary School (In this instance, please let staff know the number and the source of the blanket(s).

(3) Blankets can be purchased on Amazon and shipped directly to Mountain Projects. Make sure the receipt includes “Blanket Drive” along with, the source of the blanket, whether a Service Club, Bank, Credit Union, or name or an individual. For example,                

Mountain Projects, Inc.
Blanket Drive — (Supporter/organization name)
2177 Asheville Road
Waynesville, North Carolina 28786

Cash donations for blanket purchases are welcomed by Mountain Projects. If you have any questions regarding business or organizational participation, please call Bill Allsbrook, Waynesville Rotary Club, at 828-734-4536.

 

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Dear Friends of Mountain Projects,

Mountain Projects Community Action Agency is a non-profit organization that serves Haywood and Jackson County, NC. We help disadvantaged families, the elderly and others, by encouraging and supporting independence and self-sufficiency, and by providing assistance with emergencies and unmet basic human needs.

Founded in 1965, we have since grown to host 19 programs, with a staff of 140 and an annual budget of almost sixteen million dollars. We serve more than 15,000 people each year.

The following is our 2022-23 annual report. We are proud of our accomplishments and appreciate the support of our board, our organizational partners and the community, all of whom have made our work possible!

Sincerely,

Patsy Davis
Executive Director

View Mountain Projects 2022 – 2023 Annual Report here:  mp_annual_report_web

 

IMPORTANT SURVEY – Mountain Projects’ funders require that we conduct an annual survey to understand the needs of the communities we serve. Please take a few minutes and answer these questions – your answers help our organization to secure and maintain services for the residents who need Mountain Projects assistance. THANK YOU!

Follow this link to participate:
https://us2.list-manage.com/survey?u=879932ac210374ab76bb3acaf&id=3a4f5a07c8

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ENCUESTA IMPORTANTE: los financiadores de Mountain Projects exigen que realicemos una encuesta anual para comprender las necesidades de las comunidades a las que servimos. Tómese unos minutos y responda estas preguntas; sus respuestas ayudan a nuestra organización a asegurar y mantener servicios para los residentes que necesitan la asistencia de Mountain Projects. ¡GRACIAS!

Sigue este enlace para participar: https://us2.list-manage.com/survey?u=879932ac210374ab76bb3acaf&id=85a05452a2

Written by Judy Dykes & Katie Ray

Every week, we volunteer at the Mountain Projects Resale Store. For several hours, we sort through, quite literally, mountains of donated clothes and household goods. We separate the gently-used and ready-to-sell from the served-its-time and must-be-recycled, and off and on, all morning, we open up bags and we find treasure. Three pairs of Talbots corduroy jeans in different fall colors. A beautiful hand-crafted pottery bowl. The cutest little black cocktail halter dress (if only we were 30 years younger). The perfect pair of trekking poles for hiking. And every time we find one of these treasures, we can’t wait to put it out on the floor where some lucky person who needs or wants just that can find it.

As anyone who shops in thrift stores knows, “thrifting” really is like going on a treasure hunt, but in addition to how much fun it is, there are other good reasons to shop in thrift stores.

First, thrifting is good for the environment. So many of us these days are trying to make greener, more sustainable choices. We carry our own bags to the grocery store, use cloth napkins instead of paper, and refill our water bottles when they’re empty. Whenever we can, we up-cycle, recycle, and re-use. And while many of us donate clothes and household goods we no longer want or need to local thrift stores, not nearly enough of us are shopping for things we need in those same stores. To be effective, the recycle equation needs people working both sides of it, contributing and consuming, because whatever doesn’t sell will eventually end up in a landfill.

Think of it this way. Thrifting is more about exploring possibilities than simply meeting needs, but once you’re committed to the principle of consumer recycling, shifting your shopping habits is not that hard to do. It may take a little patience and searching, but you don’t have to compromise excellent taste and quality to shop in a thrift store.

Finally, don’t forget that every time you purchase something in a thrift store, you support some local nonprofit organization that does a lot of good in our community and beyond. You can buy yourself a like-new LL Bean winter coat and make a donation at the same time—it’s a win-win situation!

So before you jump online to put in yet another order for something, why not jump in the car instead and head out to one of the many local thrift stores in Waynesville: Mountain Projects, Within Reach Resale Shop, Haywood Christian Ministry, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Second Seasons, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, to name just a few. In fact, grab a friend—or two or three—and make it date. Once a month, have lunch and visit as many of them as you can. After all, you never know what treasure might be waiting there for you!

 

Caption: Pictured here, Roxanne McCarthy, Katie Ray and Judy Dykes ALL wearing clothing and jewelry from the MP resale store.