Open Hearts Place families move forward, opening doors for others in need

The three original Open Hearts Place families will soon be ready to move on, making room in the program for three more families.

The nonprofit provides intermediate housing and programs to promote family self-efficiency and help tackle the Burke County housing shortage. Applications have opened for the next cycle of families.

The three original families moved into the Open Hearts Place houses in 2022, and now, three years later, they will step back into the housing market. One house is available now, while two will be ready when the families graduate from the program in spring or summer.

Grant writer Susan Pribyson explained that the program is looking for three low- or very low-income families with children. The heads of the household must be employed. The Department of Housing and Urban Development defines the income standards.

Over the past three years, OHP has continued to grow and add more resources for their families.

“We’ve learned a lot,” Pribyson said. “We have more partners, more assistance to help families get to where they need to be.”

When asked if she anticipates receiving more applications, she said she hopes so since the housing crisis has not improved since they started.

“The housing shortage gets worse and worse, but we’ve actually expanded our mission because there’s no place for these families to move to in Burke County,” Pribyson said.

OHP’s newest program entails developing 51 acres of land in Burke: 6 acres (44 units) in Hildebran and 45 acres (more than 200 units) on Causby Road.

OHP homes will have three homes in the new projects; the rest will be designated “attainable housing.”

Pribyson said she appreciates the support of the City of Morganton, Burke County officials, and Rep. Hugh Blackwell by securing $500,000 for the sewer expansion project on Causby Road. The nonprofit has also worked with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments. When OHP builds a home, the WPCOG reimburses a portion of the costs.

“We have a great relationship with them and they’re very supportive of us,” she said. “We consider them one of our partners.”

Moving forward, the nonprofit continues to seek new community partners for funding and programming.