Madison housing repairs nonprofit to move into new Walnut Creek Road spot

MARSHALL - "It was time to make a permanent home," said Cathy Dalton, Community Housing Coalition's director of development and communications, referring to the housing rehabilitation nonprofit organization's acquisition of 798 Walnut Creek Road, the building previously occupied by Happy Cinco De Mayo restaurant.

CHC is a community-based nonprofit agency that facilitates urgent home repairs to low-income Madison County residents in need of assistance.

The organization, which is commemorating its 20th anniversary in 2022, will greatly benefit from the move, according to Chris Watson, CHC program director.

“It is exciting to begin our 20th year as a nonprofit by taking such a huge step forward. CHC serves an average of 100 households annually, with demand continually rising. Finding a permanent home for CHC is not an option and is necessary in order to continue serving our community," said Watson. "Some programs launching in 2022 require capacity - both physical and staff - that cannot be met in our current offices. The new facility will provide space for program expansion, much improved accessibility, new program opportunities, and increased operational and financial efficiencies.”

According to Dalton, CHC and ReClaim have been looking for a combined building for three years. She said she hopes the Walnut Creek location's 50 parking spots will allow the organization to attract more customers, as downtown parking is at a premium many times.

"We have a retail store that needs parking. So, for 20 years, CHC has been renting office space throughout Marshall, and we've been renting the warehouse space for ReClaim," Dalton said.

The expected move-in date is April 1, according to Dalton.

"Our story is that we're buying a really great building, that with some creative renovation is going to be a permanent home for our store and our CHC program offices, under one roof. And we're thrilled," said Dalton. "It didn't become a strong possibility until August or September 2021."

Community Housing Coalition opened ReClaim Madison in 2019 as a social enterprise to help fund its programs.

Laura Cheatham is ReClaim's manager.

"“In just under three years, ReClaim Madison Salvage & Thrift has proven to be a popular first stop for many shoppers in Madison County and beyond looking for well-priced building materials, used furniture and appliances and unique trinkets and treasures,” said Cheatham. "We are excited about having a new permanent home providing easy access for our customers, ample parking, a more visible location, and new ways to collaborate with Community Housing Coalition programs and staff."

According to the director of funding, CHC closed on the building Jan. 26.

CHC launched a fundraising campaign in October to fund required renovations.

Dalton said CHC management has been mulling ideas on what to do with the three acres of undeveloped land also included in the acquisition.

"In addition the two acres that it's on, there were three additional acres including with the purchase," Dalton said. "We'll have that as an asset. It's going to allow us to explore some opportunities with that.

"The fundraising campaign ... has been met with investment by generous individuals, businesses, and local organizations demonstrating wide support for this step in the evolution of CHC and its mission to provide healthy, safe and affordable housing in Madison County," Dalton said.

According to the director of funding and communications, building renovations will be headed up by numerous local figures, including architect Jim Williams, McDonald Structural Engineering, Every Angle Construction and Engine House Design.

"In spite of COVID, we've been extremely fortunate to have really good and foundation support," Dalton said. "COVID has given us more work to do, and made it harder for our clients. We've had to adjust how we do some things. But it has been a period where we can look at ourselves and say, 'How blessed are we?'"

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Madison housing nonprofit to move into new Walnut Creek Road spot