Housing agency hosts open house for partners, community

Published 10:54 am Monday, December 5, 2022

By Danielle Morin

Elizabethton Star

The Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency held an open house event on Friday for the many companies and organizations that it partners with, from local financial institutions to maintenance crews to construction companies.

The free luncheon featured grilled cheese sandwiches and a variety of homemade soups and chili, as well as some sweet treats. Executive Director Kelly Geagley said the annual event is the agency’s way of thanking their partnered organizations and fellowshipping with their network community. “We love it, we have a big time, and we enjoy it,” he said of the social event.

According to its website, the agency focuses on providing “sound, safe housing to low- and moderate-income families through the Public Housing, Section Eight Voucher, and Section Eight Moderate Rehab programs,” services which have become increasingly vital in today’s housing crisis. According to the federal census, over 19% of the Carter County population live below the poverty line, many of whom face housing struggles or homelessness.

Elizabethton Mayor Curt Alexander, who also attended the meet-and-greet, commended the work the agency does for Carter County. “What they do is just amazing. They’ve got great people that run this organization and do a lot of good things — providing things to people that ordinarily couldn’t do things on their own — and that really just shows how much they care about everyone here.”

The Elizabethton Housing & Development Agency is located at 910 Pine Ridge Circle in Elizabethton. Carter County residents who may be interested in housing assistance can contact them by visiting the center Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by calling 423-543-3571.