Local nonprofit Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO) supported over 2,000 households in 2024, despite Asheville’s strained housing market which was further exacerbated by Helene. MHO provided affordable rentals, home repairs, new homes, and down payment assistance.
Of the 2,371 residents MHO’s Real Estate Development team served, 12% were veterans, and 18% were formerly homeless, according to its 2024 impact report. To keep the momentum going, MHO has plenty of work planned for this year.
What’s coming in 2025?
The nonprofit has seven projects in development to create more affordable housing across WNC.
- Lakeshore Villas | Currently under construction, the 120-unit complex at Heywood and Hendersonville Roads will serve families earning up to 60% Area Median Income.
- Star Point | The nonprofit is expected to secure the property just off Tunnel Road soon to provide 60 affordable units, with 12 set aside for young adults aging out of foster care — it’s tentatively scheduled to open in winter 2026.
- Balsam Edge | This walkable Waynesville complex will have 84 affordable units — MHO is expected to close on the 5-acre property in Q2 of this year.
- Spring Garden | Six more homes in the Enka-Candler area are expected to be finished through MHO’s Self-Help Homeownership program, where homes are financed with low-interest USDA mortgages and “sweat equity” construction hours.
- Pentland Hills | Upon completion, the Leicester subdivision will be home to ~300 residents, with about two thirds of the homes reserved for low-income buyers.
- Preservation projects | MHO is seeking funding for preservation and rehabilitation projects across existing affordable housing sites, including Compton Place, Crowell Park, Griffin, Northpoint Commons I & II, and more.
- Black Mountain homes | Late last year, the nonprofit closed on an 8+ acre property ~5 minutes from downtown Black Mountain with plans to construct 50-60 affordable homes.
Learn more about the nonprofit’s mission and how you can help support them.
