Dear Givens Communities,

I am delighted to share some very exciting news with you. After many months of advocacy and perseverance, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $11,000,000 in HUD 202 PRAC funding to support the Givens Clinchfield Mill project in McDowell County.

This funding is the key piece that allows us to move forward with the financing needed to make the project a reality.

When complete, the Clinchfield Mill will provide 141 affordable apartments for older adults in McDowell County. This development will not only preserve and repurpose an important historic landmark, but it will also help meet the growing need for safe and affordable senior housing in Western North Carolina.

This milestone was made possible through the tireless work of many people. In particular, I want to thank Teresa Stephens and Andrew Crosson for their steady leadership and commitment to expanding affordable housing in our region. I also want to recognize Brian Guengerich, our Vice President of Philanthropy, who has helped us make the necessary contacts to advocate for this project.

Just two weeks ago, two senior leaders from HUD who report directly to Secretary Scott Turner visited the Clinchfield Mill site. They spent more than three hours with our team, local officials, and community partners. During that visit, they saw firsthand the potential of this project and heard directly from local leaders about the urgent need for affordable housing, especially in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which has further deepened the housing crisis. We believe this visit was pivotal in securing the award and ensuring that these funds would flow to McDowell County.

I am deeply grateful to our elected officials, community partners, and team members who helped make this possible. This achievement reflects the power of perseverance, advocacy, and collaboration. It also demonstrates how Givens Communities continues to live out its mission to create community and empower lives.

Thank you for being part of the Givens family. Together, we are helping to build a brighter and more secure future for older adults across Western North Carolina.

With gratitude,

Kevin Schwab
CEO, Givens Communities