The timeline for counties in Western North Carolina to take part in an affordable housing deal has been extended. Located in Murphy, the Hulburt Johnson Friendship House is the westernmost homeless shelter in the state. It has just 33 beds and serves men, women and children. “Housing is at a premium here. You don’t have a lot of housing, period.” That’s house manager Patricia Meeks. She says there are many reasons people experience homelessness, but a lack of affordable housing is part of the