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[Pages S5828-S5829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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HISTORIC ASHE HOSPITAL
Mr. TILLIS. Madam President, I rise today to honor the
achievements of the organizations and people who led the successful
redevelopment of Historic Ashe Hospital in Jefferson, NC. This once
abandoned property on the National Register of Historic Places today
provides 46 affordable homes for seniors, people with disabilities, and
homeless individuals at a time when affordable housing is needed more
than ever.
This incredible property was developed through the use of the Low-
Income Housing Tax Credit, known as the Housing Credit. In North
Carolina and across the country, it is one of our most important tools
in the fight to provide affordable housing for at-risk families in our
communities. More than 87,000 North Carolina homes have been developed
using the Housing Credit, and more than 3 million homes nationwide.
They serve our low-income
[[Page S5829]]
seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, and working families.
That is why I am pleased to announce that this important site has
been recognized by the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition as a
2020 recipient of the Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Award, which
recognizes excellence in the affordable housing industry and
organizations that have demonstrated the most impactful use of the
Housing Credit.
Historic Ashe Hospital in Jefferson is no exception. The historic
building includes a community room for residents to gather, office
space for those now working from home, a library for residents of all
ages, and a memory room with artifacts from the original hospital. Wide
hallways, tall ceilings, and large windows remind residents of the
great public spaces of the past and beautiful views of the Blue Ridge
Mountains.
Historic Ashe is also located across the street from the Appalachian
District Health Department, which delivers services including case
management, skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and
respite care. Vaya Health of western North Carolina provides a variety
of mental health services on-site, and other community partners provide
GED classes to those interested, transportation to the local senior
center, volunteer opportunities, and a variety of other education and
support services.
It is truly a monumental achievement in terms of creative property
development and the judicious use of public and private funding to
benefit the residents of Jefferson, while contributing to the Nation's
vital supply of affordable housing.
Several groups and individuals were instrumental in bringing the
project to fruition, including Northwestern Housing Enterprises,
Incorporated, Redstone Equity Partners, Foss & Company, Bank of
Tennessee, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, Tise-Kiester
Architects of Chapel Hill, and notably E. G. ``Ned'' Fowler, President
of Northwestern Housing Enterprises.
To everyone involved in the development of Historic Ashe Hospital for
affordable housing in Jefferson, I offer my congratulations and
gratitude on behalf of the people of North Carolina. Thank you.
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