Katie Moore, THDA Industry and Government Affairs Liaison, presents a $500,000 Challenge Grant check to Appalachian Service Project president and CEO Walter Crouch at the Millennium Center last Friday. The grant money will help ASP build a new campus. PHOTO BY DAVE ONGIE
ASP will be required to raise an additional $1.5 million in matching funds in order to receive the $500,000 from THDA. When complete, the grant and additional money will put ASP $2 million closer to its larger fundraising goal. The check presentation took place during a fundraising gala at the Millennium Center celebrating ASP’s 50th anniversary.
“We hope this grant will serve as a challenge for those who support the great work that Appalachia Service Project has done in the region over the past 50 years,” THDA executive director Ralph M. Perrey said. “We truly believe that the people who live in the Tri-Cities and the areas that ASP serves will step up and raise the capital to help secure these funds.”
ASP president and CEO Walter Crouch said the new facility will help the nonprofit provide even greater support to those in Appalachia who need it most.
“We appreciate THDA’s Partnership and their confidence in ASP and our mission,” Crouch said. “Their investment in our future will serve as a catalyst for the expansion of our services as we continue to address substandard housing issues in east Tennessee and throughout the central Appalachian region.”
Once complete, the facility will provide dormitory space and a commercial kitchen to accommodate up to 200 volunteers who will work on home rehabilitation and rebuild projects throughout the year. ASP also plans to use the location as a construction training center and to house families temporarily displaced during home repairs or rebuilds.
To learn more about the THDA Challenge Grant program, visit thda.org/business-partners/challenge-grant.
