Free lunch eligibility trending downward in Macon
For the second year in a row, Macon County Schools will request funding from county commissioners to bridge the gap in funding for free school meals for all K-12 students. But with data trending downward, it’s unclear whether the school system will be able to continue its free meal program for more than two more years.
Billionaires, public education and vouchers
Despite stiff opposition, the N.C. Senate voted this month to double the funding for Opportunity Scholarships to boost enrollment in privately run K-12 schools; more than $200,000,000 is earmarked for kids in high-income families.
Local partnership to impact regional housing needs
A new collaboration is poised to make a large impact by providing new housing options for Jackson County seniors, low-income families and business professionals.
Pisgah Legal opens Waynesville office, offers program to help working families
As Pisgah Legal Services continues to grow and better serve its clientele, a key challenge has simply been getting word of its ability to help low-income households out to the public.
Task force to tackle affordable housing shortage
• Affordable housing issues on Haywood County’s horizon
• Habitat houses give people hope
• Old hospital’s rehab into low-income housing falls flat
• Affordable housing development looks for resources
• Self-build program empowers low-income families
• Some look to downsized housing for personal freedom, financial security
Affordable housing issues on Haywood County’s horizon
Anecdotal accounts of a tight housing market have long swirled about Haywood County, but a quick look at hard data shows why a task force has been studying the issue of affordable housing since March.
Habitat houses give people hope
About five years ago, Suzanne Cianciulli and her son were living in a rundown mobile home rental while she tried to make ends meet working a retail job.
Old hospital’s rehab into low-income housing falls flat
Despite a perfect score on its application, Haywood County was not awarded tax credits that would have helped developers turn the old county hospital into low-income housing units for the elderly, disabled and veterans.
Affordable housing development looks for resources
Passersby probably don’t give a second thought to seeing news houses being built on the hillside when traveling up Jonathan Creek Road, but the development has quite a story to tell.
Self-build program empowers low-income families
Mountain Projects’ self-build housing program is all about helping those who are willing to help themselves.
