Leadership

Looking Ahead to a Strong New Year

Dear Friends,

As we welcome the New Year, I want to thank you for standing with Haywood Habitat for Humanity through a year that tested us—and ultimately strengthened us.

This past year brought real challenges. A leadership transition, organizational recalibration, and the ongoing pressures facing affordable housing organizations nationwide required focus, resilience, and hard decisions. With your support, we met those challenges head-on and emerged more stable, more capable, and better positioned for the future.

Despite the hurdles, we achieved meaningful, tangible progress this year:

We proudly rehoused the Garcia family; after nearly a year of displacement following Helene, they found stability and opportunity in a Haywood Habitat home. We closed our eighth home in Chestnut Park, continuing to build affordable homeownership in our community.

We launched a new home repair program, expanding our impact beyond new construction for the first time.

We hired new staff and reestablished strong internal systems to ensure long-term continuity. And we welcomed new Board members who bring fresh perspective, expertise, and commitment to our mission. We built and strengthened key collaborative partnerships across Haywood County and beyond. We ensured licensing and construction continuity, keeping our building program on track. Finally, we have made health insurance available to all full-time employees for the first time in the organization’s history!! This is an important step in building a sustainable, professional organization.

These accomplishments reflect more than milestones; they represent momentum, and we plan on building that momentum in the coming year. In 2026, Haywood Habitat will break ground on multiple fronts.

First, our New Construction Program will see completion of the Chestnut Park Subdivision, begin construction at the Jay Creek home sites, and break ground on the first of six homes in Clyde

Second, our Home Repair Program will continue to grow, allowing us to serve more homeowners with critical health, safety, and accessibility needs.

Third, we will open our first application window since 2024!!

Finally, we will further strengthen community partnerships and continue stepping into a visible leadership role in addressing housing affordability across Haywood County.

These projects reflect not only what we are building, but how we are building: deliberately, collaboratively, and with long-term impact in mind.

I am sincerely optimistic about the future of Haywood Habitat for Humanity. With your continued partnership, we are positioned to lead with integrity, deliver results, and remain a trusted force for affordable housing in our community.

I want to close this year, and start a new one, with “thank you” to our volunteers and donors. Thank you for your belief in this mission and in the families we serve. HHH supports Haywood County families only because you choose to participate. This organization does not have to exist. Without your time, experience, and funding commitments, Haywood Habitat would not serve this community in any meaningful way. So thank you.

I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

With gratitude and resolve,

Jared Iraggi, J.D.

Executive Director

Haywood Habitat for Humanity

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Haywood Habitat Supporters,

Thank you for your patience during these first few months of our recent transition. Since June, we have been working tirelessly to ensure Haywood Habitat is licensed, compliant, and well prepared for the year ahead.

As you may know, two of our longtime employees—Office Manager Brittany Williams and Executive Director Ryan Newell—separated from the organization in the first half of 2025. I want to thank Brittany and Ryan for their years of service. Additionally, I want to acknowledge everyone—volunteers, donors, partners, and advocates—for your continued encouragement, dedication, and support.

To the hundreds of men and women who, over the past 35 years, have contributed to bringing Habitat’s mission to Haywood County: thank you for all you have done to make Haywood Habitat what it is today.

Who I Am and What I Hope for Haywood Habitat

My name is Jared Iraggi, and I’ve been a builder and carpenter in Haywood County for eight years. I previously served as Haywood Habitat’s Construction Manager before briefly joining Asheville Habitat. In mid-June, I began as Haywood’s Executive Director.

In the past, I’ve been involved in nonprofit leadership and fundraising as a Board Member and Chair for Haywood Pathways Center. I earned my Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2013. While my legal career was short-lived, my education helped me grow as a public speaker, discerning listener, and committed advocate.

I am deeply humbled to lead this organization, and I intend to lead with both my head and my heart. We will reconnect with our faith-based foundations and bring hope, dignity, and stability to those we serve. Habitat is a diverse organization, and the landscape of affordable housing is rapidly changing. The housing market is not what it was 5–10 years ago. We must remain adaptable, build new programs, explore new partnerships, and pursue innovative funding opportunities.

Operations and Staffing

Our first three months focused on operations and compliance. We secured our NC General Contractor’s license, ensuring continuity in construction activities. We also obtained Qualified Loan Originator certifications, ensuring our mortgage origination practices align with industry’s best practices. We completed and approved our FY’25–‘26 budget; it includes several new line items we plan to grow in the coming year. In collaboration with our Board, we reestablished our supervisory committees per our bylaws and look forward to new and exciting projects on the horizon. We’ve also updated policies, procedures, and relationships so we are prepared to meet emerging housing needs in the community.

Despite what you may have heard, building never stopped during the leadership change. Great credit goes to our new Construction Manager, Dave Pfister, who stepped into the role in mid-April. Volunteers appreciate his leadership, focus, levity, and mission-driven mindset.

We also welcomed Martha Roberto and Drew Marx as full-time staff in July. Martha oversees office administration, social media, and homeowner support. She has already revitalized our social media presence—please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for important program updates, project news, and community stories. Drew, a recent graduate of WCU’s construction management program, joined as a Construction Associate, supporting volunteers and assisting with preconstruction planning. We are fortunate to have both on our team.

Construction and Community Projects

The Garcia flood relief home received its Certificate of Occupancy in early September, and we were able to move the family in before the one-year anniversary of Helene! More than 75 people—including staff, donors, volunteers, Board members, and community partners—attended the dedication ceremony. The home feels open, bright, and cozy; staff and volunteers did an exceptional job and should be extremely proud.

The Chestnut Park neighborhood is nearing completion, with one home left to finish. Remaining work includes grading, drainage, landscaping, sidewalks, and driveways. We are also applying for a grant to complete the planned civic space, including a walking path and dedicated civic space. Building homes is essential, but building community is equally important. We hope community support and neighborhood integration will play a larger role in our projects and services in the future.

Looking ahead, we anticipate opening at least two new construction sites in Jonathan Creek and Clyde this year. Permit applications are currently under review.

Board Leadership

We are excited to welcome new leadership to our Board. Dr. Rick Croskery and longtime Board Member Dr. Bill Snyder will serve as Board Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, for the 2025–2026 term. Three new Directors also began their service in July:

·M. Chase Wells of Waynesville, a housing attorney with NC Legal Aid, brings deep faith, compassion, and extensive legal experience.

· Kimberly McClure of Canton has already strengthened our marketing and brand management. Her leadership is evident on our new website, now live at www.haywoodhabitat.org. The site is clean, accessible, mobile-friendly, and will be updated regularly with news, projects, and opportunities to engage.

· Zachary Stines of Canton brings deep roots in Haywood County and valuable experience in local politics. His thoughtful approach to community engagement will be an asset to our mission.

Together with our existing Board, these leaders will guide Haywood Habitat into its next chapter.

Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Budget

The Board has approved our FY25–26 budget, which includes funding for two new home builds and our pilot repair program. This program will address urgent repairs and deferred maintenance for homeowner-occupied housing in Haywood County.

Affordable housing is not only about new construction, it is also about ensuring existing homes remain safe and stable, particularly for residents on fixed incomes. Our approach will be twofold: 1) expand housing inventory through new builds, and 2) preserve affordable housing through targeted repair projects.

Lastly, we have also secured funds for hurricane-related repair projects across the county. These funds will support hurricane repairs up to $10,000. If you or someone you know needs home repair assistance related to Hurricane Helene, please contact our office.

Policies, Training, and Volunteers

We are working to update outdated policies and procedures, with new onboarding programs for employees, volunteers, and Board members planned by year-end. These programs will include updated orientations, manuals, and training on safeguarding, safety, customer service, advocacy, leadership, and standard operating procedures.

We hope to engage new and regular volunteers—particularly in the ReStore and administrative office. If you have skills in administration, data entry, donor relations, or public relations, we encourage you to get involved. Please contact our office.

Moving Forward

Our mission remains as urgent as ever. Affordable housing is not a relic of the past—it is a necessity for families and communities today. Together, we can ensure Haywood County families have a safe, dignified, and stable place to call home.

If you have questions, feedback, or concerns, please reach out. I want to hear from you—good, bad, or otherwise. Your voice matters.

With gratitude,

Jared Iraggi, JD

Executive Director

Haywood Habitat for Humanity

September Newsletter

Dear Friends,

At Haywood Habitat for Humanity, every milestone brings us closer to a community where everyone has a safe, dignified, and affordable place to live. We’re excited to share three important updates with you— each one a powerful reminder of how your support builds more than houses.

Thank you for building with us. None of this work would be possible without you. Whether you give, volunteer, or advocate, you are helping families in Haywood County build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

Together, we’re not just building homes—we’re building hope that will last for generations.

With gratitude,
The Haywood Habitat for Humanity Team

Applications Open for Two New Homes
We are currently accepting applications for two new homeowners in the Jonathan’s Rest subdivision on Jonathan Creek. These small-footprint homes are reserved for families affected by Hurricane Helene, providing a pathway to stability and a fresh start. If you know someone who may qualify, please encourage them to apply by calling our office at 828-558-2145.

Welcoming Our New Executive Director
We are pleased to welcome Jared Iraggi as Haywood Habitat’s new Executive Director! Since joining Habitat in 2023, Jared has combined his background in law, construction, and nonprofit leadership with a steadfast commitment to Habitat’s mission. He is dedicated to honoring our longtime supporters while adapting our affiliate to respond to historic and emerging housing needs in Haywood County. His leadership will focus on restoring a mission-driven culture of service and Christian values to the organization. Jared lives in Haywood County with his wife, Erin, and son, Finnegan. He busies himself with woodworking, service to others, and teaching Finn all manner of curiosities.

The Garcia Family’s New Beginning
The Garcia family–displaced by Hurricane Helene in September 2024–now has a place to call their own. Their dedication ceremony took place this past Friday, September 12th. More than 75 supporters turned out to support the Garcias and celebrate their new home. United Way of Haywood County contributed nearly $20,000 to furnish the home. The Dedication represents a new chapter for the Garcias and serves as a testament to the power of community support and perseverance.

Letter from the Executive Director

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Looking Ahead to a Strong New Year