Latest News
Build Rural Conference
One of the first grants Housing Hub applied for and was awarded was a technical assistance grant from Housing Assistance Council through its OneRural Capacity Building Program. For many years I have looked to HAC for reliable data for our area of rural Appalachia. Through coaching at HAC, Housing Hub is receiving expertise for areas in our organizational development that we hope will put us on a clear path for sustainability - which is a big deal in the world of affordable housing development nonprofits!
South Cumberland Housing Summit, Community Gathers To Focus On Housing
For the third year in a row, the South Cumberland Housing Summit took place on the morning of September 24, 2024, in Grundy County, TN, on the campus of Mountain T.O.P. More than 40 representatives from housing providers, funders, and social service organizations gathered to explore ways to foster rural housing initiatives and meet the needs of aspiring homeowners. The event was planned and led by the Housing Hub and sponsored by the South Cumberland Community Fund.
Housing Hub Opens New Office in Tracy City, Hires New Leadership
Housing Hub’s first newsletter issue highlights the opening of its new office in Tracy City, Tennessee made possible with a grant from the South Cumberland Community Fund; the hiring of new leadership; the evolution of its mission since founding in 2022; and the non-profit’s future plans and upcoming events.
Housing Hub Hires New Director of Housing Development
When Cody Jorstad, 29, first came to Mountain T.O.P. with his church youth group as a 14-year-old, little did he realize some 15 years later he’d return as the director of housing development for the newly created Housing Hub.
Teacher’s Dream Comes to Life as GCHS Carpentry Students Build House
Grundy County High School teacher Tim Tucker always dreamed his residential construction students would one day build a house. Now, an innovative collaboration between Mountain T.O.P., Communities in Schools, and South Cumberland Community Fund is making that happen. What’s even better is that the house, aptly named Blessing House, will provide affordable housing in Coalmont for a 37-year-old single mom and her teenage son.
Stronger Together: Rotary Rallies Behind Housing Effort
Tickets are on sale now for Grundy County Rotary Club’s Dinner with a Purpose, set from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at The Big Red Barn in Beersheba Springs.
The benefit supports Housing Hub and Mountain T.O.P.’s first affordable home build, which will help a 37-year-old single mother from Coalmont achieve her lifelong dream of owning her own home.
New St. Mark’s Community Garden
Something wonderful is happening at St. Mark’s Community Center, 481 Alabama Avenue — the construction of a Community Garden. This collaborative project between St. Mark’s Community Association (SMCA), Growing Roots, Mountain T.O.P., The Roberson Project, and the University Farm is largely funded by the South Cumberland Community Fund.
Housing Hub and Grundy County High School Students Build Homes and Community
In the last few months, the work of the Housing Hub has transformed from an advocacy and services organization to an organization that helps build houses—importantly, through collaboration. A home build is taking place right now through the trades program at Grundy County High School. GCHS students are working on a house in sections that will be moved and installed on a permanent foundation in Altamont. The Housing Hub hopes that this will be the first of a series of houses being built to meet people’s needs.
Housing Hub Raises Awareness of Affordable Housing Shortage in Tennessee
On September 28, 2023, Julie Keel participated in a panel of experts presenting and answering questions for the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR). Keel felt compelled to participate on behalf of her neighbors who are struggling with access to housing that is affordable, healthy and safe.