Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO) recently took part in two significant advocacy events to ensure the voices of the communities we serve are heard at both the federal and state levels. These events provided a vital platform to champion housing solutions that foster stability, opportunity, and equity across North Carolina and beyond.
from L to R Sherry Taylor, Executive Director of Durham Community Land Trust, Geoffrey Barton, Julie Porter, President of Dreamkey Partners, Yolanda Winstead, President & CEO of DHIC
On April 2nd, Geoffrey Barton, President & CEO of MHO, traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National NeighborWorks Association (NNA) Legislative Advocacy Day. This annual event brings together housing and community development leaders from across the country to meet with members of Congress and their staff. During his visit, Geoffrey met with our representatives from Senator Tillis, Senator Budd, and Representative Edwards’ office to discuss critical housing issues facing our region—particularly the need for continued investment in affordable homeownership and community development initiatives in the wake of Hurricane Helene. He emphasized the long-term impact that disasters like Hurricane Helene have on already communities facing a housing crisis, and called for continued federal support to help rebuild and strengthen these neighborhoods for the future.
Just one week later, on April 9th, a team of MHO staff—Allison Rollison, Angi Welch, Justin Tuttle, and Lukas Ray—joined housing organizations from across North Carolina in Raleigh for NC Housing Day, organized by the NC Housing Coalition. This annual gathering brings together affordable housing supporters to meet with state legislators and share stories from the field. Throughout the day, the MHO team spoke with our local representatives, including Rep. Lindsey Prather, Rep. Eric Ager, and Rep. Brian Turner, about the urgent need for increased state-level investment in affordable housing, especially as the cost of living continues to rise across urban and rural communities alike. Our conversations focused on the importance of preserving existing affordable housing stock, increasing support for homeownership opportunities, and ensuring that all North Carolinians have access to safe, stable homes.
from L to R Justin Tuttle, Angi Welch, Allison Rollison, and Lukas Ray
These advocacy efforts are part of MHO’s ongoing commitment to addressing the root causes of housing insecurity and advancing policies that create more resilient communities. By engaging with policymakers and lifting up the experiences of the people we serve, MHO continues to lead the charge in building and improving homes, neighborhoods, communities, and lives, and building hope and dignity in the people we serve.