Hunger exists even in communities of abundance. In this eye-opening conversation, we discover that one in four households in Henderson County face food insecurity - a shocking statistic that challenges our perceptions about prosperity in Western North Carolina.

The nationwide Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers, offers a remarkably accessible solution. On the second Saturday of May, letter carriers collect non-perishable food donations from mailboxes across America, creating the largest single-day food collection event in the country. Last year, Henderson County residents donated a staggering 40,000 pounds of food - outperforming neighboring Buncombe County despite having a significantly smaller population.

Representatives from three vital nonprofits - Captain Sherry Stokes from The Salvation Army, Stephanie Walton from IAM Ministries, and Lynn Staggs from Henderson County Storehouse - explain how this massive influx of donations sustains their operations throughout the year. For the Salvation Army alone, this single day provides one-third of their annual food pantry inventory.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when letter carrier Arcavia Smith shares her personal story. Before becoming a mail carrier, her family lost everything in a house fire. The support they received from a food bank during that crisis gave her a firsthand understanding of food insecurity that now fuels her passion for this annual drive. Her story reminds us that hunger can affect anyone, at any time, through circumstances beyond their control.

The need has only increased since Hurricane Helene, with organizations seeing more first-time clients than ever before. From seniors choosing between medication and meals to families struggling after losing jobs to flooding, the face of hunger in our community is diverse and often invisible.

Want to make a difference? Simply leave non-perishable food items by your mailbox on Saturday, May 10th. Your donation stays local, feeding your neighbors in need. Because in a community where both prosperity and poverty exist side by side, we all have the power to help stamp out hunger.

The disconnect between national real estate headlines and local market realities takes center stage in this illuminating podcast. While media reports focus on rising interest rates and cooling demand, Henderson County's housing market tells a remarkably different story – one of resilience, continued growth, and strategic opportunity.

Greg shares compelling local data revealing that Henderson County has actually seen more homes sold this year than during the same period last year – 42 more properties have changed hands despite the supposedly challenging market conditions. This strength persists even as mortgage rates have climbed from 2.98% in 2021 to current levels around 6.81%.

What explains this contradiction? For one, approximately one-third of Henderson County home purchases are cash transactions, creating a significant buffer against interest rate fluctuations. Additionally, persistently low inventory levels (just 498 active single-family listings) continue to maintain healthy demand-supply dynamics that support stable pricing. While the median days on market has increased from 21 to 33 days year-over-year, today's pace still represents historically strong activity.

Beyond the numbers, Greg shares powerful insights about focusing on what matters most – your specific circumstances rather than national headlines. Drawing inspiration from Michael Phelps' Olympic comeback story, he illustrates how success comes not from worrying about competitors but from concentrating on your own lane and goals. This mindset proves particularly relevant for navigating today's evolving real estate landscape.

The podcast also explores fascinating opportunities in real estate wealth transfer, with baby boomers currently in the midst of transferring $53 trillion in wealth, of which $19 trillion is tied to real estate. For those considering strategic planning, innovative approaches to real estate gifts can create powerful legacy options while providing significant tax advantages.

Whether you're curious about your home's current value, considering a move despite higher interest rates, or planning longer-term real estate strategies, this episode offers clear-eyed analysis and practical wisdom. Connect with the George Real Estate Group at 828-393-0134 to discuss your unique situation and discover the possibilities that exist beyond the headlines.

Margit Nelson's remarkable journey from Head Start parent to heroic community leader takes center stage in this heartwarming episode of the George Real Estate Group's Hometown Hero Series. After finding quality early childhood education for her own three children through Head Start, Margit transformed that personal experience into an 18-year career with Western North Carolina Source, where she now serves as procurement and operations manager.

When Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Western North Carolina, Margit's dedication to her community truly shined. Through her pivotal role at WNC Source—a vital nonprofit serving Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, and Rutherford counties—she helped coordinate an impressive emergency response. Working alongside leadership teams and community partners, Margit helped mobilize critical resources including food, water, clothing, and emergency support for families and staff affected by the disaster.

The episode also reveals the broader impact of WNC Source across the region. With 235 employees continuing a legacy that began in 1966, the organization provides comprehensive services including Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving over 400 children, public transportation in Henderson County, housing assistance programs, and nutrition services for older adults. Despite severe flooding at their Etowah Center during the hurricane, the organization continues moving forward with plans to reopen the facility by August while simultaneously expanding services elsewhere, including a new Early Head Start center in Columbus serving 24 children.

Noah George also shares valuable insights into Henderson County's resilient real estate market, noting a surprising 7% increase in home sales during the first quarter despite national downturns. With average home prices holding steady around $544K and approximately 126 single-family homes selling monthly, the local market demonstrates remarkable stability even amid challenging times. Want to learn more about local real estate opportunities or nominate a deserving Hometown Hero? Contact the George Real Estate Group at 828-393-0134 or visit realestatebygregcom to connect with this community-focused team today.