Charlotte, N.C. –  As nonprofit organizations doing great work within our communities continue wrestling with rising operational costs, diminishing funding sources and reduced federal relief, 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 critical housing needs. 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®.

“Realtors® in our Western Region continue to show what it means to serve with heart, standing beside nonprofits that are providing critical housing support and stepping up to help neighbors in need, said Joan Goode, 2025 president-elect of Canopy Realtor® Association and Realtor®/broker with Dickens Mitchener Real Estate. “We’re proud to invest in Haywood County, not only by funding essential community services, but also by supporting the educational dreams of our youth through long-standing partnerships like the one we have with the Haywood County Schools Foundation. Together, we are strengthening lives and building a brighter future for this region.”

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 its inception, Canopy Housing Foundation has distributed $97,200, and this year will distribute an additional $26,000 for a total investment to-date of $123,200 in Haywood County.

Canopy Housing Foundation awarded a total of $20,000 to five area organizations:
 

• First United Methodist of Waynesville: $1,000 to provide two months of rental assistance for a family in need in the amount of $500 per month. Realtor® referral:  Amy Jo Butler, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, and Matthew Wells, Keller Williams 

• Mountain Projects / Smokey Mountain Housing Partnership: $5,000 to provide emergency housing and utility assistance to prevent eviction and homelessness for 10 to 18 low-income households in Haywood County. Realtor^® referral: Amy Spivey, Ivester Jackson 

• REACH of Haywood County: $5,000, of which $4,00 will be used for emergency motel housing for survivors, when housing is needed as a result of domestic violence. These funds will cover approximately 40 nights of housing for REACH clients. The additional $1,000 awarded will be used to pay for security deposits in these types of situations. Realtor® Referral: Tavia Thomas, RE/MAX Executive 

• Salvation Army of Western North Carolina: $5,000 to assist 10 families and individuals in Haywood County with rental assistance, up to $500 per single request. Realtor® referral: Michael Jay Weaver, Allen Tate / Beverly-Hanks 

• Waynesville Elks Lodge: $4,000 to be used for rental and housing assistance for eight veterans and their families, who are residing in Haywood County at an average of $500 per family. Realtor® referral: Louis Migacz, 1^st Choice Realty 

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 $2,000 scholarship. The scholars are Lance Francoeur, a senior at Pisgah High School; Peggy Holshue, a senior at Tuscola High School; and William Huffstetler, 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, 2025.  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. 

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