Existing Homeowners Emergency Repairs What are Emergency Repairs? Emergency Repairs seek to preserve existing affordable housing while improving the quality of life for income-qualified Buncombe County residents by making their homes safer and more accessible. Repair activities vary in scope. Repairs may include, but are not limited to, the installation of accessibility features, repairing of roofs, and the repairing or replacement of HVAC systems. How do I qualify for Emergency Repairs? Buncombe County funds partner organizations that provide Emergency Repairs for income-eligible households across the County. Partner organizations will provide households with pertinent information on qualifications and income restrictions. To begin determining if you qualify for Emergency Repairs, please use the AMI table to determine your income eligibility. How do I apply if I need an Emergency Repair? Buncombe County currently funds Emergency Repair Programs administered and performed by Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and Mountain Housing Opportunities. Habitat’s Emergency Repair program is targeted to assist households earning under 70% AMI. Mountain Housing Opportunities’ Emergency Repair program is aimed to help households at or below 50% AMI. Community Action Opportunities provides Weatherization Repairs for households at or below 200% the federal poverty level. Council on Aging of Buncombe County provides minor repairs and accessibility improvements for households that are income eligible and have a member that is 60 years of age or older. Green Built Alliance provides energy-efficient modifications to income eligible households through their comprehensive energy assessments and weatherization assistance. Hammer and Heart provides urgent home repairs to communities within the Swannanoa Valley. Repairs alleviate housing conditions that pose an imminent threat to the life or safety of low-income households, with a focus on helping the elderly and disabled.
Potential Homeowners Downpayment Assistance What is Downpayment Assistance? Buncombe County provides funding for Downpayment Assistance to organizations that support homeownership for income-eligible households. Assistance is provided in the form of a non-forgivable 0% interest loan that could cover up to 10% of the affordable home purchase price. How do I qualify for Downpayment Assistance? To be eligible for Buncombe County supported Downpayment Assistance, potential homebuyers must be income eligible, and make less than or equal to 80% AMI. Applicants must have completed a homebuyer’s education course and be looking to purchase an affordable unit for sale. To begin determining if you qualify for Downpayment Assistance, please use the AMI table to determine your income eligibility. It is important to note eligibility criteria varies by organization, to learn more about each program it is best to contact each service provider below directly. How do I apply for Downpayment Assistance? Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and Mountain Housing Opportunities provide Downpayment Assistance for income qualified households in Buncombe County. Financial Counseling What is Financial Counseling? Buying or renting a home can be a challenge for many residents and potential residents due to a lack of experience and credit hurdles. Buncombe County’s New Start Program has supported organizations that provide financial counseling. How do I qualify for Financial Counseling? Financial Counseling is available to households of varied incomes. Certain Financial Counseling is restricted based on a household’s income. Programs are targeted to households earning less than or equal to 80% AMI. To begin determining if you qualify for Financial Counseling, please use the AMI table to determine your income eligibility. How do I access Financial Counseling? Buncombe County has funded Financial Counseling organizations in the past, including OnTrack Financial Education and Counseling. Affordable Homes for Ownership What are Affordable Homes for Ownership? While Buncombe County does not directly develop Affordable Homes for Ownership to income-eligible households, there are programs within the County that do provide this service. The goal of these programs is to provide households the opportunity to own a home through assisted building or financing of the home. How do I qualify for Affordable Homes for Ownership? Determining household income is the first step in qualifying for housing services. Many housing services use income caps, based on federal Area Median Income (AMI) data, to ensure they help people who need the most assistance. Start by selecting your household size to the right and note your AMI percentage to see if you qualify for the needed program. How do I apply to Affordable Homes for Ownership? To learn more about the nuances of the Affordable Homes for Ownership programs and how to apply, please contact the program providers. Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity provides home development and financing opportunities for income-qualified individuals. Mountain Housing Opportunities also provides home development and financing opportunities for income-qualified individuals. The United States Department of Agriculture provides financial assistance for families looking to purchase or develop homes in eligible rural areas.
Affordable Housing Partners Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (828) 251-5702 Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (828) 251-5702 Asheville-Buncombe Community Land Trust (828) 222-0812 Asheville-Buncombe Community Land Trust (828) 222-0812 Community Action Opportunities (828) 252-2495 Community Action Opportunities (828) 252-2495 Council on Aging (828) 277-8288 Council on Aging (828) 277-8288 Green Built Alliance (828) 254-1995 Green Built Alliance (828) 254-1995 Housing Authority (828) 258-1222 Housing Authority (828) 258-1222 Mountain Housing Opportunities (828) 254-4030 Mountain Housing Opportunities (828) 254-4030 OnTrack Financial (828) 255-5166 OnTrack Financial (828) 255-5166 Pisgah Legal Services (828) 253-0406 Pisgah Legal Services (828) 253-0406
Determining household income is the first step in qualifying for housing services. Many housing services use income caps, based on federal Area Median Income (AMI) data, to ensure they help people who need the most assistance. Start by selecting your household size to the right, and note your AMI percentage to see if you qualify for the needed program. Select Household Size: One Two Three Four Five Six Seven 30% AMI: $17,850 50% AMI: $29,750 60% AMI: $35,700 80% AMI: $47,600 30% AMI: $20,400 50% AMI: $34,000 60% AMI: $40,800 80% AMI: $54,400 30% AMI: $24,860 50% AMI: $38,250 60% AMI: $45,900 80% AMI: $61,200 30% AMI: $30,000 50% AMI: $42,500 60% AMI: $51,000 80% AMI: $68,000 30% AMI: $35,140 50% AMI: $45,900 60% AMI: $55,100 80% AMI: $73,450 30% AMI: $40,280 50% AMI: $49,300 60% AMI: $59,200 80% AMI: $78,900 30% AMI: $45,420 50% AMI: $52,700 60% AMI: $63,250 80% AMI: $84,350 Source: HUD FY 2022 Income Limits Documentation System - Affordability Requirements & Rents for Affordable Housing Services Program and Community Oriented Developments.