Haywood Habitat expands affordable housing options in Waynesville

“In fall 2020, in the face of the pandemic, Haywood Habitat for Humanity began construction of the organization’s largest neighborhood to date,” said Jamye Sheppard, Haywood Habitat executive director. “It was a bold, but critical action for us to take at such an uncertain time. We are grateful for Dogwood’s commitment to help address the disadvantages created by the lack of affordable housing in our area, and for their investment in the work we do to address the problem.”

Affordable housing is in short supply in Western North Carolina. In Haywood County alone, more than 29% of residents are cost burdened, meaning they are paying more than 30% of their household income for housing.

Haywood Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope. The organization works to make affordable homeownership possible for low income Haywood County residents that are willing to partner in the building of their homes and have the ability to pay an affordable mortgage payment. Since its founding in 1990, Haywood Habitat has worked to improve housing for more than 300 Haywood County residents.

The organization is committed to eliminating substandard housing in the community through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions.

The work is accomplished through the generosity of volunteers, donors, and sales at the Waynesville ReStore. To learn more, visit www.haywoodhabitat.org.