New complex celebrates opening

Since her husband passed away 14 years ago, Bernice Kirsch has had trouble keeping up with the daily tasks that go along with owning a home.

In April, Kirsch moved into Sugar Hill Apartments, a new affordable apartment community in Hendersonville for people 55 and older with limited incomes.

"This is a wonderful place for people like me who can't pay for the upkeep and taxes," said Kirsch, 69. "I told my kids that I'm not leaving here. They will have to carry me out."

The $4 million project took three years and was completed in December 2007. Tenants began moving in shortly afterward.

The Housing Assistance Corporation held a ribbon cutting Friday for the apartments on Sugar Hill Road off Sugarloaf Road.

Congressman Heath Shuler, D-Waynesville, spoke to a crowd of about 60 people on the grounds of the 40-unit complex.

"This is a perfect example of people working together to make the community a better place," he said. "This is a success story."

Rep. Carolyn Justus, R-Dana, also attended the ceremony. She said we owe the "greatest generation" help.

"This is very good that we are doing this for our seniors and those with disabilities," she said.

Housing Assistance is also celebrating its 20th anniversary helping individuals and families find and maintain homes. The private nonprofit agency also offers educational and counseling programs. For more information, call 692-4744.