July 17, 2026
Contact: Kim Walker, 704-940-3149

Charlotte, N.C. – Seven Haywood County/Western Region nonprofit organizations will receive a combined $24,300 in Community Grants from the Canopy Housing Foundation, providing critical funding for rental assistance, mortgage and utility relief, emergency shelter, housing support for individuals with disabilities, and other programs that help local individuals and families remain safely housed.

This year's Community Grants Program attracted an exceptionally strong pool of applicants, reflecting both the growing housing needs across the region and the dedication of nonprofit organizations working to meet them. Following a competitive review process, the Foundation selected seven organizations whose programs closely align with its mission of expanding housing opportunities and strengthening communities.

"Our Canopy members are deeply connected to the communities they serve, and this grant program allows them to support organizations they've seen changing lives firsthand," said Joan B. Goode, 2026 president of Canopy Realtor® Association and Realtor®/broker with Dickens Mitchener Real Estate. "Every grant awarded represents people working to help neighbors. We're proud to support these organizations because, together, we're creating lasting impact and strengthening communities throughout Haywood County."

Established in 2009, the Canopy Housing Foundation’s Community Grants Program has awarded funding to nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg, Iredell, and Haywood Counties to address unmet housing needs. A hallmark of the program is its Realtor® referral process, which allows Realtor® members the opportunity to advocate for nonprofit organizations they actively volunteer with, support, or have seen make a meaningful difference in the lives of their clients and neighbors. That local insight helps ensure Foundation dollars are invested where they can have the greatest impact.

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 2020, Canopy Housing Foundation has distributed $111,500 as a total investment in Haywood County through this singular grants program alone.

Canopy Housing Foundation has awarded the following seven area organizations:

• ARC of Haywood County: Received $5,000 to bridge urgent housing gaps for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing short-term rental assistance and move-in support. 

Realtor® referral:  Mia Carver, Lovelace & Lowery

• First United Methodist Church of Waynesville: Received $2,000 to provide several months of rental assistance in the amount of $500 per household. 
  Realtor^® referral: Matt Wells, Keller Williams Great Smokies

• Haywood Christian Ministry: Received $2,000 to provide utility relief to people suffering a loss of service; it is estimated that these funds would service up to four families in need.
  Realtor® Referral: Christina Acevedo Braswell, Keller Williams Great Smokies 

• Mountain Projects: Received $5,000 to provide rental and utility assistance for 10-18 low-income households in Haywood County in an effort to prevent eviction and homelessness.

Realtor® referral: Kelly Hannan, Keller Williams Great Smokies

• Pigeon Community Multicultural Center: Received $2,300, with funding used for two purposes: $1,000 to assist two families with rental assistance and $1,300 for summer camp scholarships, allowing low-income children access to daycare, education, recreation, and food during the summer months. 
  Realtor® referral: Jan Sheehan Hall, ERA Sunburst Realty
  
  
• REACH of Haywood County: Received $3,000 to provide multiple nights of temporary motel accommodations for domestic violence survivors and families seeking immediate safety and financial support to aid in their transition to safer and stable housing.
  Realtor® referral: Pamela Williams, Gateway Realty Group.
  
  
• Salvation Army of Western NC: Received $5,000 to be used for rental and/or mortgage assistance for ten families at an individual cost of $500 each.
  Realtor® referral: Michal Weaver, Gateway Realty Group 

Applications for the annual Community Grants Program are evaluated according to community impact, project feasibility, fiscal strength, and Realtor® support.  Funds are restricted and must be used or earmarked by December 31, 2026.  Funds cannot be used for capital costs, staff/administrative expenses, endowment funds 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.

For more information about Canopy Housing Foundation, the Canopy Realtor® Association, or Canopy MLS, visit CarolinaHome.com.

Canopy Housing Foundation is the charitable arm of Canopy Realtor^® Association and is dedicated to funding, education, advocacy and leadership programs that are focused on fair and affordable housing and workforce-housing initiatives. The Foundation serves to position and educate Realtors^® as leaders, promote homeownership and provide funding to create housing opportunities.