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Rotary of Highlands NC Helps
Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: Whats News
The Rotary Club of Highlands lends a hand to local homeowners with the expenses of maintenance.
Rotary Club of Highlands received a grant in the amount of $45,000 from Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation and Nantahala Health Foundation for the Healthy Homes Initiative, a collaborative program with the Dogwood Health Trust.
The purpose of the grant is to assist low-income families in need of home repairs that are negatively affecting their quality of life. Members of the Rotary Club of Highlands circulated applications for home repairs throughout the Highlands area through various nonprofits and churches, including the Highlands Emergency Council, Highlands United Methodist Church, International Friendship Center and various other entities that serve low-income individuals and families. Additionally, the availability of this opportunity was published in local papers.
To qualify for assistance, recipients had to earn 60 percent or less of the household Annual Median Income for Macon County. Additionally, the property had to be owned by the occupant and the repairs had to address health and safety issues.
Since receiving the grant funds in November 2021, Rotary Club of Highlands has received 10 applications, according to Rotarian Jerry Moore, who is leading the club’s efforts. Two of these applications did not qualify due to non-ownership or failure to meet income requirements. One application is pending and seven are active.
“This grant has created an eye-opening experience that reveals a much larger extent of need in our local communities than one would expect,” said Moore. “We are glad to be able to begin to make a difference.”
Damages to homes in need of repair range from failing roofs causing water leaks to deteriorating entry steps, rotten fascia, and window seals. Several homes required heating system replacements or repairs, and one dwelling was without electricity using only a propane heater and had no access to running water.
Rotary Club members are working to arrange inspections, evaluations, and construction contracts to help families struggling to sustain their health under these conditions.
If you or someone you know is in need of these services, please contact Jerry Moore, e-mail [email protected].
