Local nonprofits ask Swain County for special appropriations for seniors, transit and shelter services
May 26, 2026 | Swain County, North Carolina
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Two local nonprofits described requests for special appropriations during the May 26 Swain County budget work session.
Lisa Loftess, director of The State of Franklin, outlined three program areas: the Senior Community Service Employment Program (a Department of Labor subgrant that needs local matching funds), the Swain Senior Center nutrition program (a requested 10% match for Area Agency on Aging funding), and Swain Transit (federal/state DOT operations grants that require a 50% local match and a smaller administrative match). She said the organization had done about 116,000 revenue miles since July 1, logged roughly 9,000 one-way passenger trips and collected nearly $14,000 in fares; the director also described an anticipated 3% increase in grant-funded operating funds and a capital request for a new van that carries a required local match.
A SAFE representative introduced as Miss Laura asked for an additional $5,000 in county funding to offset state and federal grant-match pressures and rising insurance and operating costs. She said SAFE operates a 24/7 hotline, maintains captive shelter spaces that are largely volunteer supported for meals and has room to house roughly two families and an individual in existing facilities. SAFE is pursuing additional grant-funded housing capacity but described current constraints and costs related to insurance premiums, shelter repairs and assisting clients who have limited transportation.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions (e.g., how many employees, the cook and volunteer model for meal delivery, and shelter intake trends). The organizations noted that many of their federal and state grants require local matching funds that county allocations can leverage.
What happens next: Commissioners did not make appropriation decisions on May 26; both nonprofit requests will be considered during the subsequent budget-review meetings needed to meet public-notice and adoption deadlines.
Lisa Loftess, director of The State of Franklin, outlined three program areas: the Senior Community Service Employment Program (a Department of Labor subgrant that needs local matching funds), the Swain Senior Center nutrition program (a requested 10% match for Area Agency on Aging funding), and Swain Transit (federal/state DOT operations grants that require a 50% local match and a smaller administrative match). She said the organization had done about 116,000 revenue miles since July 1, logged roughly 9,000 one-way passenger trips and collected nearly $14,000 in fares; the director also described an anticipated 3% increase in grant-funded operating funds and a capital request for a new van that carries a required local match.
A SAFE representative introduced as Miss Laura asked for an additional $5,000 in county funding to offset state and federal grant-match pressures and rising insurance and operating costs. She said SAFE operates a 24/7 hotline, maintains captive shelter spaces that are largely volunteer supported for meals and has room to house roughly two families and an individual in existing facilities. SAFE is pursuing additional grant-funded housing capacity but described current constraints and costs related to insurance premiums, shelter repairs and assisting clients who have limited transportation.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions (e.g., how many employees, the cook and volunteer model for meal delivery, and shelter intake trends). The organizations noted that many of their federal and state grants require local matching funds that county allocations can leverage.
What happens next: Commissioners did not make appropriation decisions on May 26; both nonprofit requests will be considered during the subsequent budget-review meetings needed to meet public-notice and adoption deadlines.
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