HUD Secretary Announces $11 Million Senior Housing Project in Marion

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner visited Marion on March 12 to announce an $11 million federal investment aimed at expanding affordable housing for seniors in Western North Carolina.

The funding, awarded through HUD’s Section 202 Project Rental Assistance Contract program, will support the transformation of the historic Clinchfield Mill into a large-scale affordable housing community for older adults. The project is expected to create between 180 and 200 housing units.

Standing alongside Congressman Chuck Edwards (R - 11th District), Turner said the development represents both recovery and long-term investment in a region still rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.

North Carolina's 11th congressional district encompasses most of Western North Carolina. Since January 3, 2023, the district has been represented by Edwards after he beat Madison Cawthorn in the March 2022 primary, then defeated Jasmine Beach-Ferrara in the 2022 general election. In the 2024 primary, he won against challenger Christian Reagan and in the general election against Caleb Rudow. In the 2026 primary, he beat Adam Smith and will face Democrat challenger Jamie Ager on the November ballot.

The district includes Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, part of Polk, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey counties. 

Revitalizing a Historic Site

“This building was an empty textile mill,” Turner said. “Now it will become a thriving community serving seniors, showing what’s possible when federal, local, and private partners work together.”

The redevelopment is being led by Givens Communities, an Asheville-based nonprofit focused on senior living and affordable housing.

CEO Kevin Schwab described the project as more than a construction effort.

“Today is about investing in people and ensuring older adults have a place they can proudly call home,” Schwab said. “Affordable housing is about dignity, stability, and community.”

Originally built in 1917, the Clinchfield Mill has long been part of Marion’s industrial history. Leaders say its conversion into housing will preserve that legacy while addressing a growing need for affordable options among seniors living on fixed incomes.

Addressing a Regional Housing Crisis

Edwards emphasized that Western North Carolina has faced a housing shortage for years, worsened by storm damage from Hurricane Helene.

“We’ve had a housing crisis that was only intensified by the hurricane,” Edwards said, noting that Congress increased HUD funding by approximately 9% in the current fiscal year to help address such needs nationwide.

He also pointed to recently passed federal legislation aimed at boosting housing supply and affordability, calling the Marion project a model for similar efforts.

Recovery Efforts Still Ongoing

While the announcement focused on progress, local leaders highlighted continued challenges in disaster recovery.

Officials from nearby Old Fort said the town suffered an estimated $30 million in damage from Hurricane Helene, with only a portion of federal aid distributed so far. Infrastructure repairs remain incomplete, and some residents are still waiting for assistance.

Turner responded by noting that billions in federal recovery funds have already been allocated to North Carolina, though only a small percentage has been spent to date.

“It’s not a funding problem—the money is there,” Turner said. “The focus now is ensuring those funds are effectively used.”

Broader Impact

In addition to housing seniors, leaders say the project could have ripple effects across the region. By creating dedicated housing for older residents, more homes may become available for younger families, easing broader housing pressures.

Developers also expect economic benefits, including construction jobs and increased local spending once residents move in.

Construction timelines for the project were not immediately announced, but officials say the development marks a significant step in both housing expansion and long-term recovery for McDowell County.

“This is about resilience,” Turner said. “And building a future where communities like Marion continue to thrive.”