Haywood Habitat shifts focus to repairs, brings $1.5M in grants and pushes 'pocket neighborhood' housing

Jared Rajie, executive director of Haywood Habitat for Humanity, told the board the organization is broadening from traditional new‑build houses to a repair‑focused model that protects existing affordable homes. Rajie said his first year brought $1.5 million in grant funding to Haywood County plus $350,000 in Helen recovery funds and that the affiliate expanded staff and benefits to better sustain repair operations.

Rajie described a new critical‑repair program to intervene on deferred maintenance—gutters, foundation stabilization and other repairs—to preserve the county’s housing inventory and reduce future displacement. He also advocated for zoning changes and small‑lot ‘‘pocket neighborhoods’’—800–1,100 square‑foot cottage homes clustered around a common green—to create entry‑level housing for teachers, first responders and other local workers.