Director Blake Hart Highlights Organization’s Activities over Past Year.

Haywood County Christian Ministry (HCM) Update from Director Blake Hart highlights the organization’s activities over the past year.

Response After Hurricane Helene:

Ø  Haywood Christian Ministry (HCM) had an ample food supply thanks to pre-flood

distribution by Manna Food Bank.

Ø  HCM quickly partnered with Lake Junaluska Assembly to provide meals for the first

responders and those sheltering at the Armory.

Ø  Initiated outreach to local farms to check on their well-being and help distribute their

produce that otherwise had no way to be shipped or go to market.

Ø  Purchased farm goods at market rate to prevent financial losses and distribute fresh

food to those in need.

First Three Months Post-Flood:

Ø  Distributed 314,000 lbs of food (20% locally purchased).

Ø  Partnered with 34 community agencies and 33 local farms.

Ø  Prevented $130,000 in market losses post-Helene. At this point, HCM has brought

$350,000 to local farms.

Ø  Recognized the value of ongoing local farm support and food distribution, leading to

two new initiatives.

New Programs Launched:

Ø  Smoky Mountain Harvest Hub – Supports small-scale local farms through:

• Product aggregation

• Cold storage

• Commissary kitchens

• Compost production

• Market expansion

Ø  Rural Food Access Network – Expands access to healthy food across the county

via:

• Partner networks

• Innovative distribution (e.g., refrigerated food lockers in rural areas)

Impact of These Programs:

     Ø  The main pantry serves approximately 6,000 unique individuals/year in Waynesville.

Ø  The new facility in Bethel supports the infrastructure for both initiatives.

Ø  Refrigerated lockers were installed across the county to provide 24/7 access to food. Lockers are secure, monitored, and climate-controlled.

Funding Source – Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP):

Ø  NC Medicaid-funded program targeting social determinants of health (food, housing,

transport, violence).

Ø  Haywood Christian Ministry received care manager referrals and was reimbursed by

Medicaid for services.

Ø  Outcomes:

Market expansion

• State saved $1,020 per Medicaid-enrolled individuals per year

• ER visits declined

• Funds were largely reinvested locally

Organization's Use of HOP Funds:

Ø  $500,000 on food purchases (mostly from local farms/businesses)

Ø  $900,000 for home repairs (e.g., mold remediation, plumbing)

Ø  $600,000 in financial/material assistance (e.g., beds, moving costs)

Call to Action:

Ø  HOP is paused due to lack of a state budget, causing service disruptions and job

losses.

Ø  Mr. Hart urged Commissioners and the public to pressure state legislators to fund fully

the HOP program, emphasizing its success in improving health, cutting costs, and

boosting local economies.

Haywood County Commissioners praised HCM for securing grants that allowed local farmers to be paid for Their produce after Hurricane Helene and distributing it to those in need.

HCM was commended for reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity by collecting surplus fresh food, including produce, milk, and meat, from local retailers such as Walmart, Food Lion, Publix, and Sam’s Club.

The success of refrigerated food lockers was discussed, including at the Canton Library,

which provides 24/7 access for those facing transportation or scheduling barriers.

HCM was recognized as a trusted, year-round partner to local churches and agencies, with dedicated staff and volunteers running a professional, well-organized operation.

Anyone needing to access Haywood Christian Ministry’s services, wishing to make a

donation, or volunteer can contact:

Ø  Website: www.hcmcnc.org

Ø  Phone: 828-456-4838

Haywood Christian Ministry is also on Facebook and Instagram.

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