Buncombe County Commissioners allocate funding for rental assistance

Commissioners approved $1.5 million for Helene Relief, including rental assistance — plus, learn how to apply for rental assistance from Eblen Charities, who has partnered with the City of Asheville to distribute funds.

asheville-hotel-development-avltoday-shredsled

Get the details on rental assistance through these various programs.

Photo by @mnierwienski

Earlier this week, Buncombe County Commissioners approved rental assistance funding to residents. So here’s the low down on the distribution — plus, an additional rental assistance program from an Asheville nonprofit.

At the Tuesday, Nov. 19 meeting, the Buncombe County Commission voted to reallocate American Rescue Plan Act Funds to Helene relief, including rental assistance. Commissioners approved distributing $300,000 to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and $1.2 million to Buncombe County Economic Services — these entities will administer funds to households at or below 80% AMI to be used for utility bills, fuel, rent + mortgage payments, internet access, and other essential needs. Payments will be disbursed on a rolling basis beginning in December. We’ll share application info when it’s made available.

In the meantime, there’s rental help available for Asheville residents. In late October, the City of Asheville designated $1 million for rental assistance and partnered with Eblen Charities to administer the funds. You can find more information and the application forms on Eblen’s website. The nonprofit also provides assistance with utilities, gasoline, and more.

More from AVLtoday
Don’t just throw it all away — give your old clothing, furniture, and miscellaneous items a second life at one of these donation sites.
For 24 years running, Asheville is the canvas for this celebration of experimental art.
Local business advocacy group Merchants of Downtown Asheville are helping you plug into Asheville’s creative energy with four hands-on workshops during Maker’s March.
Explore designs for French Broad Riverfront Parks + Azalea Park and share your feedback to inform the final designs.
Take the survey to share your input, which will inform recommendations for the future of the site.
Share your vision for the next 20 years of the city’s green space during a March 21 workshop at the NC Arboretum.
Fresh off a statewide honor, the Market Place chef dishes on Asheville dining.
Get a look into how Asheville built its architectural identity brick by brick through the 1920s.
The Thompson Street venue will host Rhiannon Giddens, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mavis Staples, and Hurray for the Riff Raff for its first show in August.
Whether you prefer pitching your tent by the river or glamping amongst the treetops, there’s a Hipcamp with your name on it less than an hour from home.