Warren County has been selected as one of fourteen teams in the state to participate in “Our State, Our Homes”, the fifth and final project of the Carolina Across 100 Initiative through the University of North Carolina and NC Impact.

Participating communities will emerge from the eighteen-month program with a data-driven understanding of housing issues in their local contexts, high-impact tools to facilitate community conversations around housing needs, detailed understanding of local partners and assets, and increased knowledge and capacity to implement innovative strategies for improving housing affordability. In addition, teams will receive coaching, technical assistance with innovation projects and opportunities to build relationships with peer communities as well as national, state, and campus-based housing experts across the state.

Rose Ponton, Community Development Manager with Warren County Community and Economic Development, will serve as county staff lead on the initiative.

“Affordable and workforce housing are critical to the future of Warren County,” said Rose Ponton, Community Development Manager for Warren County. “By collaborating with UNC’s Carolina Across 100 Initiative and leveraging our local partnerships, we are taking proactive steps to address these challenges and build a stronger community.”

In 2024, the North Carolina Housing Coalition reports that 32% of Warren County households are considered cost-burdened by housing costs (2,248 households in the county). Warren County ranks #42 in the state in housing evictions (with #1 being the highest). The coalition reports that 24% of homeowners and 54% of renters had difficulty affording their homes in 2024.

“Warren County Community and Economic Development has launched a new focus on housing for the county organization in the last year,” stated Community and Economic Development Director, Charla Duncan.

“Selection for the Our State, Our Homes initiative is our second win in this recent focus, coming on the heels of being awarded a $950,000 CDBG grant for housing renovations.”

“These initiatives aren’t going to be magic wands for us and our housing challenges, but we are eager to start laying some important foundations for the future of our existing and future residents,” stated Duncan.

Warren County is partnering with local organizations Working Landscapes and Warren Ministries United to drive this initiative forward. This core working group will attend several in-person forums over the next year and a half to strengthen efforts by integrating local expertise, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and implementing innovative housing strategies to provide accessible housing options, enhance quality of life, and support economic growth. All associated costs are covered by the initiative.

In addition to work done directly with the Carolina Across 100 staff and other working groups selected from across the state, Warren County will engage stakeholders from across the community to identify priorities, explore innovative solutions, and work to develop actionable strategies. Residents, community leaders, and organizations with a vested interest in affordable and workforce housing in the county are encouraged to get involved.

To learn more about the Our State, Our Homes project, visit https://carolinaacross100.unc.edu/program5/.

To stay informed about upcoming stakeholder engagement events or to share your insights, please contact Rose Ponton with Community and Economic Development by sending an email to roseponton@warrencountync.gov.

The City of Henderson is pleased to announce the appointment of Hassan T. Kingsberry, Esq. as the new City Manager, effective January 13th, 2024. A majority of the Henderson City Council chose Mr. Kingsberry to lead the city into its next chapter of growth and success.

Mr. Kingsberry brings nearly a decade of experience in municipal government and a proven track record of delivering results that benefit local governments, residents, and businesses. He also has provided legal counsel and practiced law for almost two decades as well as served as an educator in the Kerr-Tar region.

Mayor Melissa Elliott confidently welcomed Hassan Kingsberry as the new City Manager, declaring, “Exciting developments are on the horizon for the City of Henderson!”

Councilwoman Geraldine Champion expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment: “Throughout the selection process, Mr. Kingsberry’s resume was impressive, and while many other candidates were strong, his qualifications particularly aligned with what the City of Henderson needs in a city manager. We are confident in his ability to lead Henderson toward a brighter future.”

Council Members Ola Thorpe-Cooper, Michael Venable and Tami Walker emphasized the importance of collaboration under Hassan Kingsberry’s leadership: “We’re excited to work alongside Mr. Kingsberry to serve our residents and make Henderson a city where everyone can thrive.”

Hassan Kingsberry also shared his excitement about joining the Henderson team: “As one who grew up on 520 Whitten Avenue, I am honored to serve as City Manager for the City of Henderson. I look forward to collaborating with the City Council, staff, and community to achieve our shared goals and create opportunities for peace, prosperity, and progress.”

As City Manager, Hassan Kingsberry will oversee the day-to-day operations of Henderson’s government, manage its budget, and work closely with the City Council to implement strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all Henderson residents.

Prior to his recent appointment, Kingsberry stepped in as Interim City Attorney for Henderson on Dec. 5 of this year. Before, he served as the Town Attorney for Wake Forest, NC and was the County Attorney for Warren County, 2017-2022.

The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department and the Parks and Recreation Commission are offering a mini-grant application process to support community partners to facilitate the development and support recreation amenities for Warren County residents at satellite locations. Recipients must be non-profit organizations located within Warren County.

The grant application is available on the Warren County Parks and Recreation website
https://www.warrencountync.com/345/Parks-Recreation or physical copy from the Parks and Recreation
Department at 113 Wilcox Street, Warrenton, NC 27589.

All applications must be submitted and received by 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2025. Submitted requests may not exceed $10,000.

Applications should be submitted by:
* Email: christopherwilliams@warrencountync.gov OR
* In person: Warren County Parks and Recreation Office at 113 Wilcox Street, Warrenton, NC
27589 (not a mailing address) OR
* Mail: Warren County Parks and Recreation, Attn: Christopher Williams, PO Box 835, Warrenton,
NC 27589

For more information, contact Christopher Williams, Parks and Recreation Interim Director at 252-257-
2272 or parksandrecreation@warrencountync.gov.