In a recent government meeting, community members from Ashe County, North Carolina, voiced urgent concerns regarding the ongoing housing crisis affecting the region. Kanya Robinson, a local resident, emphasized the need for immediate action, stating that the current situation is dire and that previous declarations, such as April being recognized as Fair Housing Month, have not led to meaningful change. Robinson highlighted the growing inequities in housing and the lack of awareness among both tenants and landlords regarding their rights, urging officials to prioritize the welfare of Ashe County citizens.

Dolly Reeves, another resident, reiterated the call for local minimum housing standards, sharing stories of individuals living in unsafe and inadequate conditions. She expressed gratitude for the commission's commitment to establish the county's first low-income housing repair fundraising initiative. Reeves advocated for the creation of a housing advisory board composed of local residents and nonprofit leaders to ensure that solutions are informed by those directly affected by the housing crisis.

Julie Smith also expressed appreciation for the steps taken thus far, urging the commission to allocate more funds and support the establishment of a local housing advisory board. Lou Zeller, president of Ashe County and a member of Down Home North Carolina, proposed setting up a housing authority and a reserve fund to address the issue, framing it as a matter of justice and fairness for future generations.

The meeting underscored a collective call for sustained attention and action on housing issues, with community members advocating for collaborative solutions to alleviate the challenges faced by residents in Ashe County.