Last Updated on January 9, 2026 12:33 pm
AVERY COUNTY – Avery County has been awarded $5 million through the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Community Development Block Grant – Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) program. The funds will be used to support the construction of a new Avery County Senior Center.
The statewide funding round totals more than $12 million and helps local governments address critical community priorities that improve quality of life and strengthen local services. Avery County's award was the largest among eight recipients.
Avery County Manager Phillip Barrier said the grant could not come at a better time.
“This significant investment will help us strengthen our communities and improve quality of life for many local families,” Barrier said. “These funds come at a pivotal time as we continue recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene and will make a lasting difference for our community's future.”
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the former Avery County Senior Center in Newland, forcing the facility to temporarily relocate to Elk Park, where services are currently operating out of the former Liar's Table/Country House building.
The new senior center will provide safer, modernized spaces for meals, programming, social gatherings, wellness activities, and essential support services for seniors. County leaders say the project will also create a welcoming community hub that supports connection and independence for aging residents.
The CDBG-NR program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered in part by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The program allows counties and municipalities to focus investments on their most pressing local needs, including facilities, public spaces, and community service improvements.
Other recipients in this funding round include the Towns of Bethel, Elm City, La Grange, Nashville, Sandyfield, and Wallace, as well as Jackson County, with awards ranging from approximately $143,000 to more than $5 million.
Since 2017, more than $355 million in CDBG funds have been awarded in North Carolina to strengthen communities and expand opportunities statewide.
For more information about the CDBG-NR program, visit commerce.nc.gov/cdbg.
