Affordable Housing on the Rise in Buncombe County: Habitat for Humanity
Kay Smith | February 21, 2024
Habitat for Humanity is expanding its efforts in Buncombe County, with faculty and students from Warren Wilson College (WWC) actively contributing to its success.
On Feb. 10, professor of social work Lucy Lawrence’s Intro to Social Work class participated in a Habitat build. Students enthusiastically arrived early to participate, ready to support the mission of affordable housing.
Established in 1983, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity was the first Habitat affiliate in North Carolina. Through many different programs, Habitat has successfully aided more than 2,100 adults and children in Buncombe County. To qualify for a Habitat home, applicants must demonstrate a need for safe housing, a low-to-moderate income, and the ability to afford an accessible mortgage.
Lawrence said that the work done by Habitat is not only effective but intentional.
“The Habitat lending model works long term and it is successful in paying off loans,” Lawrence said. “On top of that, the volunteer model gets all different types of people involved. It is extremely inclusive.”
Volunteers are welcomed warmly upon arrival at the worksite, setting a positive tone for the day. Supervisors lead multiple house builds. Each team focuses on specific tasks, such as painting, installing firewalls or building porches.
A woman named Jessie Israel leads the paint crew. Israel has worked with Habitat for almost two years. She explained that the organization aims to “provide a place to call home and an affordable mortgage that will enable Habitat homeowners to save more, invest in their education, pursue opportunities and have greater financial stability.”
Israel loves what she does.
“There is a job for everyone,” Israel said. “I learn new skills every single day. Sometimes I have no idea what I’m doing, but everyone I work with is more than willing to lend a helping hand.”
As Lawrence mentioned, the volunteer model established by Habitat promises that any accommodations can be made because they see the value of everyone’s participation.
Habitat provides home loans with significantly lower interest rates than traditional banks, making homeownership more accessible. Habitat provides services for home building and home lending. This offers opportunities to those who might not be able to get a loan through the bank. Prospective homeowners are required to complete “sweat equity,” contributing hands-on labor to Habitat construction projects
Shanae, a future homeowner, completed some of their sweat equity hours. She worked on priming and painting the inside of two units. She was born and raised in Asheville and looks forward to having a Habitat home to call her own.
WWC students enjoyed collaborating with volunteers from across Asheville, finding the experience meaningful and rewarding. Anyone can sign up for a Habitat build.
Habitat for Humanity has made a substantial impact on communities worldwide. Due to the incessant need for affordable housing in America, Habitat was created in the pure interest of those in need. This organization empowers people and aims to provide them with stability and love.
In December 2021, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and Madison County Habitat for Humanity united themselves to enliven and strengthen Habitat for Humanity in the region. With the merging of the two locations, more families experienced the life-changing ability to own a home.
