When Patrick Bowen, president of Bowen National Research, presented a housing needs assessment to the Macon County’s board of commissioners earlier this month, there was one thing he kept coming back to. 

Homeowners and renters in North Carolina may be eligible for FEMA Rental Assistance if they cannot live in their homes because of damage due to Tropical Storm Helene. 

Macon County Commissioners decided last week to oppose Commissioner Paul Higdon’s push to eliminate environmental health fees, an initiative he put forth as a way to address the issue of affordable housing that plagues not only Western North Carolina but also much of the country. 

As the recovery from the flooding disaster brought on by Hurricane Helene transitions to a different phase with more long-term priorities, housing solutions have become a major focus of volunteers still looking to lend a helping hand. 

In the coming months, the Macon County Commission will consider waiving environmental health fees, and possibly building inspection fees, after Commissioner Paul Higdon broached the topic at an October meeting. Macon County Public Health Director Kathy McGaha said the move could have unintended consequences. 

To the Editor:

The economy of this great nation, and indeed, the world, is a huge thing that, like those supertankers and container ships that help keep it all running, does not change direction very fast or easily short of some major shock to the system. 

What started off as a clever idea to address recidivism has grown into something more — a community-driven response to concerning and costly social ills like homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse disorder. 

The Canopy Housing Foundation continued its longstanding commitment to the communities it serves by giving away more than $25,000 in grants and scholarships to local nonprofits and students at an event in Waynesville on July 23. 

Haywood County commissioners approved two funding recommendations from its Affordable Housing Development Committee that will increase affordable housing stock at no cost to Haywood County taxpayers. 

The “Brisket, Bourbon & Beer” fundraiser for REACH of Haywood County will take place from 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at the Shelton House in Waynesville.