Open Hearts Place’s goal to develop two housing communities is getting closer to reality, thanks to support from a local developer and other agencies.
The nonprofit provides intermediate housing and programs to promote family self-efficiency while helping tackle the Burke County housing shortage. Executive Director Madelyn Russ recently shared with OHP supporters how the nonprofit is doing before moving into the final quarter of the year.
Their newest program entails developing 51 acres of land donated in Burke: 6 acres (40 units) in Hildebran and 45 acres (over 200 units) on Causby Road.
Their construction team is working with the developer to design and advance these projects.
“We have a project manager that is helping us find house plans and builders,” Executive Director Madelyn Russ said. “We have met with BDI and Morganton City officials and plan to meet with Western Piedmont Council of Governments, the county manager and Dogwood Health Trust in the near future.”
PROGRAMMING
On the programming side, the nonprofit is looking to expand its internal network with allies, a social media coordinator, and board members. Their new program director, Christy Dunbar, and the programming team are working to write policies, develop a handbook, and revise their application for future openings.
Participants are finding success.
Individuals in the six families currently in Open Hearts programming are starting new careers, attending Western Piedmont Community College, taking online classes, or getting certified in their fields.
Many of their members are meeting with the Burke County United Way Financial Empowerment Program coaches and Coach William Moore, a debt reduction counselor in New York. He is a certified Credit Counsel & Business Coach and helps participants with their credit scores.
FUNDRAISING
As Burke County organizations fundraise for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, OHP is continuing its efforts to address the housing crisis through fundraising.
“These last few weeks have been extremely challenging for so many Burke County residents and even more demanding for our fellow Western NC residents,” Russ said. “With so much upheaval to our routines, I found myself experiencing what our OHP families feel too often — operating in survival mode as opposed to my regular — thriving mode.
“...Our work continues to address the housing crisis in Burke County, so OHP must move forward with some of our fundraisers so we can provide affordable housing.”
Key fundraising dates:
- Saturday, Nov. 2: Fish Fry at St. Matthews UMC from 4-7 p.m. There will be outdoor music.
- Sunday, Nov. 10: “The Giving Tree” is an opportunity to support OHP and local organizations. This will take place at Oak Hill United Methodist Church from 2-6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 3: 1BurkeGives is a major Burke County nonprofit 24-hour fundraiser where supporters can donate to Open Hearts through the Burke County United Way website at https://www.1burkegives.org/.
Their Belk Charity Tickets went on sale Friday, Oct. 25, and in-store sale dates are Nov. 8-11. Customers can buy a $5 charity ticket, for $5 off their purchase along with 25% off on select brands. 100% of the proceeds will go to local organizations.
The nonprofit is working on other events such as a night of music at Freedom High School and a Bowl-a-Thon with potters Adam and Molly Mackey at West Union Art Studios.
To learn more about OHP, visit https://www.openheartsplace.org.
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