Canopy Housing Foundation distributes $24,500 in grants and scholarships at annual Community Grants Celebration to Haywood County-area nonprofits

Charlotte, N.C. – As consumers continue to deal with a sluggish economy and tighter finances brought on by inflation and higher cost of goods and services, Realtors® remain firmly committed to community outreach and service, supporting those impacted most by increased costs of living, in Canopy Housing Foundation’s core service area of Haywood County, Canopy Realtor® Association’s Western Region.

Canopy Housing Foundation’s Community Grants Program was launched in 2009 and awards funds to nonprofits in Mecklenburg, Iredell and Haywood Counties that work to address housing issues. Organizations with missions that closely align with the Foundation, are able to apply annually for grants, however each grantee must be supported by a letter of recommendation from an active Realtor®. In 2020, the Community Grants Program and Habitat Support Program became available in Haywood County as a result of the merger between Canopy Realtor® Association and Haywood Realtor® Association. Since it’s inception, Canopy Housing Foundation has distributed $30,200 and this year will distribute an additional $17,000 for a total investment to-date of $47,200.

Canopy Housing Foundation awarded a total of $17,000 to seven organizations:

1) First United Methodist of Waynesville: $2,000 to purchase additional equipment to expand the capacity of the free Jounce Middle School Afterschool Program, enabling more families to work full-time without the expense of after-school supervision. This funding will result in overall family savings that will increase their finances they can then apply to adequate housing.  Realtor® referral: Amanda Hill, Allen Tate / Beverly-Hanks

2) Haywood Community College Foundation: $3,000 to support the Lavender Fund Program, which provides emergency funds for food, transportation, rental assistance, and utilities to economically disadvantaged students in crisis who are attending Haywood Community College. These students are at risk of dropping out due to poverty or homelessness.  Realtor ® referral: John Keith, Allen Tate / Beverly-Hanks

3) Mountain Projects / Smokey Mountain Housing Partnership: $3,000 to purchase tools to be used by Self-Help participants and others as they work to build their own homes, making them homeowners for the first time.  Realtor ® referral: Julie Lapkoff, Allen Tate / Beverly-Hanks

4) Mountain Projects / Smokey Mountain Housing Partnership: $1,500 to be used for the production of classroom materials for in-person Homebuyer Education classes.  Realtor ® referral: Julie Lapkoff, Allen Tate / Beverly-Hanks

5) Haywood Pathways Center: $3,000 to provide rental assistance for four families at an average cost of $750 per family; this funding will assist the families in avoiding homelessness.  Realtor® referral: Pamela Williams, Allen Tate / Beverly-Hanks

6) Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center: $1,500 to provide funding for five families with predetermined needs (those families having multiple students in the program and those with repeat participation). All awarding of funds is based on
availability, need, family income and circumstances.  Realtor® referral: Marty Prevost, Allen Tate / Beverly-Hanks

7) REACH of Haywood County: $3,000 to provide emergency shelter for 20 individuals and families at local motels for up to a period of 30 nights. These individuals affected by this funding are fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault or elder abuse.  Realtor® Referral: Tavia Thomas, RE/MAX Executive

Canopy Housing Foundation formalized The Habitat Support Program in 2007 and has funded Habitat organizations in seven other North Carolina counties. In 2020, Haywood County became part of the program as a result of Canopy’s expansion into the western region of the state.

Haywood Habitat for Humanity: $3,500 to partially fund the kitchen cabinets and countertops at a home being built in Chestnut Park at 212 Sylvan Street.  Realtor® Referral: Amy Valliere, Allen Tate Realtors® / Beverly-Hanks Realtors®

Canopy Housing Foundation also supports the educational needs of Haywood County residents by supporting the Haywood County Schools Foundation. This year, three scholars will each receive a $1,000 scholarship. The scholars are Payge Burgess, a senior at Tuscoloa High School, Grady Glance, a senior at Pisgah High School, and Charles Burnette, a senior at Haywood Early College. Applications for the annual Community Grants Program are rated according to community impact, project feasibility, fiscal strength and Realtor® support. Funds are restricted and must be used by December 31, 2023. Funds cannot be used for capital costs, staff/administrative expenses or debt reduction.

Canopy Housing Foundation serves as the charitable arm of Canopy Realtor® Association and is dedicated to creating a community where all housing needs are met. The Foundation and its core of Realtor® volunteers work toward this goal through funding, education, advocacy and leadership programs that are focused on fair and affordable housing and workforce-housing initiatives.