HOUSING HUB AWARDED APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION GRANT
We are excited to announce that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded Housing Hub a $99,960 grant to support the South Cumberland Homes Initiative, a new partnership with Mountain T.O.P. launched in October to strengthen each organization’s ability to deliver affordable housing and to deepen their collaborative community development work across Grundy County, TN.
Project Overview
The South Cumberland Homes Initiative will build capacity at the individual, organizational, and community levels to address housing preservation, affordability, and volunteer engagement. Over the grant period, staff and board members from both organizations will receive targeted training to strengthen skills essential to delivering housing services and managing community development projects.
What the Grant Will Fund
Capacity Building Training for staff and board members in project management, grant administration, housing preservation techniques, and community engagement to improve each organization’s ability to plan and deliver housing solutions.
Volunteer Recruitment Strategy Development and implementation of a Volunteer Recruitment Strategic Plan to expand and sustain the volunteer base locally and regionally. Volunteers provide essential labor and community connection, and this plan will help both organizations recruit, train, and retain volunteers more effectively.
Grundy Countywide Housing Plan Housing Hub will lead a local team, working with a consultant, to create a Grundy Countywide Housing Plan. The plan will outline strategies across the full housing continuum—from preservation and rehabilitation to new affordable construction and supportive housing—so local leaders and funders have a clear roadmap for future investments.
Community Impact
This initiative is designed to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits. In the short term, participating organizations will gain practical skills and systems to manage housing projects more efficiently. In the long term, a stronger volunteer network and a countywide housing plan will guide coordinated action, attract investment, and help preserve and expand affordable housing options for Grundy County residents. The project centers local leadership and collaboration so solutions reflect community priorities.
Partner Perspectives
“We are grateful to the Appalachian Regional Commission for this investment in Grundy County,” said Julie Keel, Executive Director of Housing Hub. “This grant will help us strengthen the systems and people who deliver housing solutions and expand our ability to engage volunteers and partners in meaningful, sustainable work.”
Martha Pierce, Executive Director of Mountain T.O.P., added, “Partnering with Housing Hub allows us to combine local knowledge with proven development practices. Together we will create practical, community-driven strategies that preserve homes and increase affordability for our neighbors.”