WE'LL MAKE IT HOME TOGETHER™

August 2026

BUILDING HOPE Registration Now Live! 

JOIN US to CELEBRATE and SUPPORT building hope, dignity, and resilience through affordable housing! This year, BUILDING HOPE returns to Highland Brewing Company's premier event space on Thursday, October 15th, 2026. This year, we are excited to introduce the Building Hope Award! The award recognizes a local champion for affordable housing – we look forward to announcing the inaugural honoree during this year’s program!

Enjoy drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, music, and community for a great cause. Optional rooftop cocktail reception for Patrons and Sponsors starting at 4:00 PM. Featuring food from 67 Biltmore, dessert from The Hop Ice Handcrafted Ice Cream, and music from DJ Molly Parti.

The need for affordable housing in our region is at an all-time high. Join us to learn more about the impact of MHO’s housing programs and services and discover how you can make a difference. Tickets are available NOW, starting at $50 each! So don’t wait - reserve your tickets today!

Looking to become an event sponsor? Check out our Building Hope Sponsor Guide or contact Allison Rollison, VP | Director of Philanthropy, at allison.rollison@mtnhousing.org or 828.254.4030 ex. 136 to learn more! 

In January 2021, MHO adopted a five-year Strategic Plan to guide our work across seven priorities, from doubling affordable housing production to strengthening our organization's philanthropic base and leadership. That planning has translated into real affordable housing impact across WNC, including:

• Doubled rental housing production from 52 to 110 units/year, including the 212-unit Maple Crest Apartments
• More than doubled home repairs from 100+ to 250+ projects annually
• 38 new homes built, plus land acquired for 120+ more in Black Mountain and Leicester
• Hired our first Resident Services Manager, laying the groundwork for a full program
• Secured major capital investments, including $2.5M from First Citizens Bank and $8.5M from Dogwood Health Trust
• Unrestricted philanthropic revenue grew 3x — from $344K to $1.1M+
• Navigated our biggest leadership transition since 1988, welcoming Geoffrey Barton as our new President/CEO after Scott Dedman retired in 2023

Read the Full Report to see the complete story behind each milestone.

Reflections from two MHO Interns! 

This summer, MHO welcomed two talented interns whose work touched everything from real estate development to public-facing communications. In their own words, Serena Chao and Sofia Nilo reflect on what they learned, built, and carried with them from their time at MHO!

Serena Chao, rising junior at UNC Chapel Hill, interned with the Community Rental Investments team through the Affordable Housing Development Fellowship. She gained insight into the full development lifecycle, from pre-development to stabilization, and leaves motivated to combine a career in real estate investment with a commitment to affordable housing. 

Sofia Nilo interned with MHO's communications team as the External Relations Intern, gaining firsthand exposure to Asheville's housing climate and nonprofit policy. Her major project redesigning the Properties and Developments page sharpened her design and writing skills, and deepened her interest in public administration and local politics.

MHO is proud to announce three recent philanthropic grants totaling $125,000 in support of our Essential Home Repair program. Thank you to the following partners for helping local people live better for longer in their own homes!

• Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Legacy (SOMNC) provided a $50,000 program grant. Through their grantmaking, SOMNC’s goal is to give those experiencing poverty access to services and opportunities that foster self-sufficiency and self-determination, and transform the quality of their lives in a sustainable way.
• WNC Bridge Foundation provided a $50,000 IMPACT grant. WNC Bridge Foundation exists to connect communities to a healthier future and to create lasting change through local partnerships. The foundation’s efforts are focused on expanding access and equity for vulnerable populations across the region. This grant supporting MHO’s EHR program reflects WNC Bridge’s continued focus on grant partnerships that contribute directly to long-term recovery and resilience in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.
• Truist awarded a $25,000 CRA Community Development grant. Truist’s CRA community development grants help build better communities and prioritize affordable housing, essential community services, small business access to capital, and workforce development.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MHO'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS

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