News & What's Happening

Services for Veterans:
According to a 2011 Straits-Troster study, almost 40% of our returning troops suffer from depression, anxiety and PTSD. Not only do these poor mental health conditions negatively impact the lives of the veterans and their families, they can also increase the likelihood of unemployment, poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, and suicide.

In evaluating the need and benefits of Equine Therapy and Learning for these groups, Founder and Executive Director Shannon Knapp points to a pilot study at Fort Carson, CO. The study showed that equine therapy and learning reduced the risk of violence by veterans by 24%. Even more remarkable, the rate of suicide was reduced by 62%. Through the work of Heart of Horse Sense, Knapp is seeking the same level of dramatic results as the Fort Carson Pilot Study.

"Our goal is to Ensure Equine Therapy is available throughout Western north Carolina to any veteran or first responder who has made the step to ask for help."

With deep gratitude and a full heart, I write to share that Aura Home Women Vets (AHWV) will be closing its doors in July 2025. This announcement carries the weight of both heartbreak and pride as we reflect on all that we have accomplished together in service to women Veterans.

In the Spring 2025 Issue of Tenant Talk, readers will explore the intersection of climate change, disaster recovery, and housing justice. This issue will feature articles that examine the disproportionate impacts of climate disasters on marginalized communities, highlight tenant-led climate advocacy efforts, and spotlight ongoing recovery struggles in places like Hawai'i and Puerto Rico.

Staffing cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in North Carolina raise concerns among employees, Veterans, and lawmakers about potential impacts on Veteran' health care and services

"Some of these local governments have a $3 million budget and $4 million in debris removal," said Russ Harris, a board member of the North Carolina Association of Regional Councils of Government. "They can't cash flow it."

How to receive your credit score: You have the right to request one free copy of your credit report each year from each of the three major consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. You may also be able to view free reports more frequently online.
Do you need to build up / improve your credit score? Here's one way - with a Credit Builder Loan:

What is a credit builder loan:
A credit-builder loan can help people with little or no credit history build credit by making on-time payments.
1). A credit builder loan helps you improve and/or build up your credit score
2). Once you repay the credit building loan you may qualify to borrow more money at a lower interest rate than previously when you first start.

Should the person who had this loan pay the stated amount due Can YOU spot what is wrong with the math on it? AWLWAYS MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE MATH AND ITS CORRECT when it comes to loan payments. Obviously, the computers aren't always programmed correctly.

Military members are being murdered for their Servicemember's Group Life Insurance benefits

From the North Carolina Housing Coalition's Weekly Policy Highlights: NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced this week that he is suing the Corporation for National and Community Service for terminating more than 50 National Civilian Community Corps members doing recovery work in Western NC. More than 20 other states and the District of Columbia have also sued the Corporation for National and Community Service.

WNC Events & Hurricane Resources:
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