Member Spotlight: Housing Authority of Mingo County
An AmeriCorps VISTA’s Reflection on a Year of Service
July 17, 2020
Fahe Community Lending Closes Loan with Helping Hands Now
July 31, 2020
The Fahe Network consists of 50+ Member organizations, spanning across the Appalachian portions of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, and Maryland. During the best of times, these local leaders provide essential services to their communities including housing, economic, and community development. During times of crisis they stand with their communities, often increasing or modifying the types of services available to match the current need. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, the Fahe Network has served the region for 40 years Building the American Dream. This collaboration has invested over $1.5 Billion into Appalachia, which has directly impacted the lives of over 616,000 people. We are taking the time to celebrate each of these Members during our 40th anniversary, as we continue in partnership to ensure that no community is left behind.
The Housing Authority of Mingo County (HAMC) was founded in 1977 and over the years they’ve expanded their services to thousands of families in Mingo, Logan, Wayne, McDowell, and Wyoming Counties with a commitment to “building better neighbors by providing comprehensive housing and economic development opportunities through creative and professional service in partnership with the community.”
HAMC fills an essential role in their community by providing access to rental assistance, multi-family rental, affordable homeownership, family self-sufficiency programs, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. The Housing Authority also provides credit counseling, homebuyer education courses, as well as doing outreach to landlords to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Mingo County is rated as one of the highest areas in the country for opioid abuse. Unfortunately, many rural areas lack access to necessary services such as drug and alcohol recovery programs and transitional housing. HAMC is serving this community need through Serenity Pointe, a 60-bed sober-living facility for individuals in recovery. The facility provides clients with a place to live while they complete counseling, job training, budget and financial literacy, and education while working towards self-sufficiency. Serenity Pointe offers a longer term stay for people going through recovery than the normal short rehab periods in the region – typically 10 to 28 days. Fahe Community Lending partnered with HAMC to provide loans for use in conjunction with the facility.
Recently, HAMC received grants for solar panel installation at Serenity Pointe. “The savings we’ll be receiving from the solar panels will allow us put money right back into the community,” said Belinda Harness, HAMC’s Executive Director. “If the solar panels prove to be beneficial, we will definitely be looking into other opportunities to have them installed at our other facilities.”
If not for the Housing Authority of Mingo County, thousands of families would be without access to essential services. Through their hard work and dedication, they help Build the American Dream for individuals and families in one of the more economically distressed areas of the country.
For more information on HAMC, please visit:
Join our Anniversary Celebration
Over the course of 2020, we will be celebrating Fahe’s history through sharing historical photos, family stories, and future projects, as well as other Member Highlights. Please join our 40th anniversary celebration by sharing your memories, pictures, and support for Fahe on social media. Please join in by using the hashtag #WeAreFahe. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.
