Givens Communities officials joined U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, a Presidential Cabinet member, for a tour of the historic Clinchfield Mill in Marion, on Thursday, March 12. The tour was led by Teresa Stephens, Vice President of Givens Affordable Communities, who highlighted the vision for transforming the former textile factory into affordable housing for older adults.

First opened in 1917, Clinchfield Mill has long stood as a symbol of Western North Carolina’s textile heritage and has remained vacant for years. Through an $11 million HUD grant, combined with state and local funding, Givens Communities is repurposing the site into 141 affordable senior living apartments—preserving history while addressing urgent housing challenges facing aging adults, including those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Following the tour, Givens Communities CEO Kevin Schwab emphasized the importance of stable housing for older adults, stating: “When all older adults have access to safe housing and supportive environments like this will be, they tend to remain healthier and more independent. Housing is health care.”

During the visit, Secretary Turner reflected on the broader investment in Western North Carolina’s recovery, sharing: “It is a joy to be here in this great state. The motto ‘to be, rather than to seem’ is strong. After touring the River Arts District, I was proud to see how the city is using $225 million of HUD funding rebuilding for the future—repairing the damage from the past and forging a path forward.”

The redevelopment of Clinchfield Mill represents a powerful collaboration among federal, state, and local partners—honoring the region’s past while building a resilient, healthy future for older adults across the mountains. If you would like to support Givens Affordable and projects like this one, please consider making a gift to support your neighbors and community by clicking here.