Western Carolina Community Action, Inc., now WNCSource, was founded in March 1965 in response to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which aimed to address poverty at its roots. Early initiatives in Henderson County included Youth Workforce Training, Transportation Work Mobile, Remedial Reading programs, and Pre-school Readiness programs.
In 1966, the agency expanded to include both Henderson and Transylvania Counties as a single Community Action Program. Over the years, we’ve operated various programs such as housing repairs, home weatherization, job training, food pantries, volunteer tax preparation, fuel assistance, nutrition and medical services.
In 2022, Western Carolina Community Action, Inc. evolved, becoming WNCSource. While our name reflects a fresh chapter, our 60-year unwavering commitment to empowering our Western North Carolina neighbors endures. We continue to forge vital pathways to self-reliance and healthier living, transforming lives every day.
Our goal is to continually evolve to meet the changing needs of our four-county service area, complementing rather than competing with other nonprofits to provide a comprehensive portfolio of community services.
We offer Head Start, Early Head Start, and NC Pre-K education programs in Henderson, Transylvania, Rutherford, and Polk Counties, laying a strong foundation for our youngest community members.
We provide essential transportation for the elderly and disabled, rural residents, as well as Medicare and Medicaid medical trips. Additionally, we operate the Apple Country Public Transit in Henderson County, ensuring accessible and reliable transit service for the community.
We began by constructing affordable housing units in Transylvania County. Today, we administer the Housing Choice Voucher and Family Self-Sufficiency programs, supporting low-income seniors, veterans, and families in Transylvania and Henderson Counties.
We operate two LunchPlus Congregate Meal sites and deliver meals, food boxes, liquid nutrition, and personal hygiene supplies to seniors in Transylvania County to promote health and well-being among our older population.
In 2022, Western Carolina Community Action became WNCSource. We remain focused on our mission: Working with communities and partners, WNCSource improves lives by creating pathways to self-reliance and healthier living. We achieve this, not through handouts, but by offering programs and services designed to empower people and transform lives.
Since its inception, WNCSource has been guided by five Executive Directors. John Leatherwood, Jr. served the longest tenure from 1969 to 1998. In 2015, the role of Executive Director evolved into Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and a Chief Financial Officer was added to the team. Our current CEO, David White, has faithfully served the organization for over 31 years and works closely with the WNCSource Board of Directors and the Management Team to provide impactful programs that build better futures and make a difference in our communities.
President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964, launching the War on Poverty and inspiring communities across the country to act.
Local leaders in Henderson County form a Community Action effort focused on education, job training (originally called Manpower), and early childhood development.
That same year, Head Start begins locally, providing children with early education, nutrition, and opportunity, laying the foundation for generations of success.
Western Carolina Community Action (WCCA) is officially incorporated and expands to include Transylvania County.
As the nation celebrates the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, WCCA launches its transportation program, connecting rural residents to jobs, healthcare, and essential services – bringing opportunity closer to home.
WCCA also expands into housing development, helping families build homes and establish stability.
Amid economic strain and the end of the Vietnam War, the need for community-based support grows.
The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) expands job opportunities for youth and young adults ages 14-21.
WCCA launches the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and gardening programs to promote self-sufficiency.
WCCA begins transporting older adults to meal sites and launches early weatherization efforts—helping families reduce energy costs and stay safe.
WCCA moves to 7th Avenue, where our Transportation Office remains today!
As federal funding shifts under Ronald Reagan, local organizations like WCCA become even more essential and learn how to do more with less.
The launch of Section 8 housing assistance helps families afford safe housing.
Community programs like the food pantry and childcare assistance emerge to meet growing needs.
The Job Training Partnership Act replaces CETA, continuing workforce development efforts.
WCCA strengthens its transportation fleet by adding and refurbishing 8 vans to better serve older adults and people with disabilities.
Welfare reform reshapes the safety net through the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, emphasizing employment and self-sufficiency.
Transportation services evolve to serve rural residents, improving access for a broader population.
WCCA begins developing affordable housing in Transylvania County and helping low-income families in becoming home owners.
WCCA launches Early Head Start, expanding its impact to infants, toddlers, and families.
Following the September 11 Attacks and the Great Recession, demand for services rises sharply.
A new Early Childhood Center opens in Brevard, expanding service capacity.
WCCA launches a public transit service with two lines in Hendersonville and Laurel Park. A third line is added a year later to access Fletcher and Asheville Airport, linking communities beyond county lines.
Tiger Town Thrift Store opens in 2002 to provide additional funding to Older Adult Services in Transylvania County.
WCCA opens its King Creek campus, creating a central hub for services.
Silvermont Opportunity Center opens as Transylvania County’s only official senior center, providing social and educational events.
As the economy recovers, WCCA continues to innovate
WCCA introduces eco-friendly compressed natural gas vehicles, modernizing transportation through federal funding.
Silvermont Opportunity Center earns a Center of Excellence designation.
WCCA expands Early Head Start through childcare partnerships, reaching more families across multiple counties.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Hurricane Helene create unprecedented challenges, especially for vulnerable populations.
WCCA rebrands as WNCSource, marking a new chapter and a new perspective for the organization.
WNCSource re-opens Etowah Children’s Center after flood damage from Hurricane Helene and opens Columbus Children’s Center, expanding Early Head Start services to 24 infants and toddlers in Polk County.
Today, WNCSource operates in four program areas:
And in four counties in Western North Carolina:
From the War on Poverty to today, WNCSource’s story is one of adaptation, resilience, and community-driven impact—meeting each moment in history with action and purpose.
2025-2026 Housing Choice Voucher Program Income Limits by County and Family Size
Henderson County
1 Person in Family: $32,600
2 People in Family: $37,250
3 People in Family: $41,900
4 People in Family: $46,550
5 People in Family: $50,300
6 People in Family: $54,000
7 People in Family: $57,750
8 People in Family: $61,450
Transylvania County
1 Person in Family: $29,400
2 People in Family: $33,600
3 People in Family: $37,800
4 People in Family: $42,050
5 People in Family: $45,400
6 People in Family: $48,750
7 People in Family: $52,100
8 People in Family: $55,500