By Hannah von Hof
Guest Writer
Hinton Rural Life Center is now accepting applications for its “Safe & Healthy Housing” ministry in preparation for summer
2026 volunteer groups. Local homeowners in Clay and Cherokee counties in North
Carolina, as well as surrounding areas within one hour of Hayesville, are encouraged to apply.
Hinton’s Safe & Healthy Housing program partners with the community to improve the health and safety of homes through volunteer-led repair projects. Most volunteer teams serve during June and July, working directly with families to complete repairs that create lasting impact.
“Our volunteers work hard to help community members with repairs that really make a difference,” said Jamie Wrigley, Hinton Center’s project coordinator. “There’s no place like a safe, happy, healthy home.”
There are no financial guidelines required to request a “Safe & Healthy Housing” assessment. Both homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for a home evaluation. However, for repairs to be completed, applicants must demonstrate financial need or extenuating circumstances.
Types of projects Hinton completes where volunteer teams may assist:
• Accessibility ramps
• Porch and exterior stair repair or rebuild
• Handrails and grab bars
• General interior and exterior painting, one-story homes only
• Underpinning or skirting for mobile homes
• Screen and door replacement
• Carpet removal and basic flooring, not subflooring
• Firewood storage lean-to construction
• Firewood removal
• Small safety improvements such as smoke detectors and light bulb replacement
Additional small projects, including yardwork, basic gutter cleaning, trash removal and general cleanup, may be completed while teams are on-site.
Hinton Center does not complete roofing, well repair or installation, septic work, foundation work, bathroom renovations, electrical work, subflooring, window replacement or tree removal.
Requirements for work to be completed homeowners must:
• Own the home/property, not rental
• Provide a safe working environment
• Demonstrate financial need or extenuating circumstances
• Have someone present during volunteer work unless prior arrangements are made
All work is completed by volunteers, not licensed contractors and submission of an application does not guarantee repairs will be completed.
Hinton Center remains committed to strengthening rural communities by recognizing that safe housing plays a critical role in overall health and well-being.
Applications are available online at www.hintoncenter.org or may be requested by contacting Jamie Wrigley at jamie@hintoncenter.org or (828) 389-8336. Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible so assessments can be scheduled ahead of the summer volunteer season.