2017 has gotten off on the right note for the United Way of Elizabethton/Carter County.
Not even a week into the new year, United Way Director and Community Impact Coordinator Josh McKinney stated the organization has entered a partnership with the Elizabethton Housing Development Agency, citing exciting endeavors are on the horizon.
With the new partnership, the United Way will begin to shift their operation from downtown Elizabethton to 210 South Hills Drive in the city – formerly operated as a daycare center within public housing. The new facility features a variety of opportunities, he added, including a large meeting/activities room, kitchen and office space.
“There’s great opportunities that come with working with the Elizabethton Housing Development Agency to have this building,” McKinney said Thursday. “First, we’re in their community. We’ll be able to directly reach and potentially help people at a much closer level. We’re excited to partner with them to bring in different services, agencies and access to program.
“Secondly, for us specifically, this is a wonderful space for us to grow,” he continued. “We’ll have the chance to expand and become the organization will feel this community deserves. We’re very excited about this new partnership and the Elizabethton Housing Development Agency has been very welcoming and receptive with this new deal.”
Work will continue over the month to have the facility operational. The space is expected to be available for usage on Monday, Feb. 6.
“It was a perfect opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” McKinney said. “(EHDA) have been so good to us. Our expense will not change with the move, according to our current estimate. They’re offering us the lowest amount of rent possible that HUD (U.S. Housing and Urban Development) will allow. We’ve taken steps in the past to cut costs and this won’t change that. No extra expenses will occur and that will not reduce the impact we can make in the community.”
The impact has been great so far, especially with the current fundraising campaign underway by the organization.
The United Way is closing in on their goal of $125,000 for the annual campaign. As of Thursday, United Way was at $101,000 and is continuing to accept donations before their deadline ends on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
“We’ve got a lot of momentum going for us right now,” McKinney said. “We’re working on getting our goal, we’re working to get into the facility. There are lot of positives going on right now. We just want to keep this train moving and create lasting change in the community.”
Any individuals looking to make a monetary donation to assist the United Way with their goal can visit their website at www.uwayecc.org or call their office at (423) 543-6975.