[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 165 (Wednesday, September 23, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5828-S5829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         HISTORIC ASHE HOSPITAL

 Mr. TILLIS. Madam President, I rise today to honor the 
achievements of the organizations and people who led the successful 
redevelopment of Historic Ashe Hospital in Jefferson, NC. This once 
abandoned property on the National Register of Historic Places today 
provides 46 affordable homes for seniors, people with disabilities, and 
homeless individuals at a time when affordable housing is needed more 
than ever.
  This incredible property was developed through the use of the Low-
Income Housing Tax Credit, known as the Housing Credit. In North 
Carolina and across the country, it is one of our most important tools 
in the fight to provide affordable housing for at-risk families in our 
communities. More than 87,000 North Carolina homes have been developed 
using the Housing Credit, and more than 3 million homes nationwide. 
They serve our low-income

[[Page S5829]]

seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, and working families.
  That is why I am pleased to announce that this important site has 
been recognized by the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition as a 
2020 recipient of the Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Award, which 
recognizes excellence in the affordable housing industry and 
organizations that have demonstrated the most impactful use of the 
Housing Credit.
  Historic Ashe Hospital in Jefferson is no exception. The historic 
building includes a community room for residents to gather, office 
space for those now working from home, a library for residents of all 
ages, and a memory room with artifacts from the original hospital. Wide 
hallways, tall ceilings, and large windows remind residents of the 
great public spaces of the past and beautiful views of the Blue Ridge 
Mountains.
  Historic Ashe is also located across the street from the Appalachian 
District Health Department, which delivers services including case 
management, skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and 
respite care. Vaya Health of western North Carolina provides a variety 
of mental health services on-site, and other community partners provide 
GED classes to those interested, transportation to the local senior 
center, volunteer opportunities, and a variety of other education and 
support services.
  It is truly a monumental achievement in terms of creative property 
development and the judicious use of public and private funding to 
benefit the residents of Jefferson, while contributing to the Nation's 
vital supply of affordable housing.
  Several groups and individuals were instrumental in bringing the 
project to fruition, including Northwestern Housing Enterprises, 
Incorporated, Redstone Equity Partners, Foss & Company, Bank of 
Tennessee, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, Tise-Kiester 
Architects of Chapel Hill, and notably E. G. ``Ned'' Fowler, President 
of Northwestern Housing Enterprises.
  To everyone involved in the development of Historic Ashe Hospital for 
affordable housing in Jefferson, I offer my congratulations and 
gratitude on behalf of the people of North Carolina. Thank you.

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