WE'LL MAKE IT HOME TOGETHER™

September 2026

This September marks two years since Tropical Storm Helene devastated western North Carolina and Asheville, reshaping our mountains, our neighborhoods, and so many of our lives.

For those of us at Mountain Housing Opportunities, this storm reminds us of why our work matters. Safe, stable, affordable housing isn't a given, and for too many of our neighbors, it continues to remain fragile. At MHO, Helene reaffirmed our commitment to building homes that can weather what comes next, and to standing alongside our community as we rebuild together.

Since Helene, MHO has completed more than 350 essential home repairs, broken ground on 60 new homes in Black Mountain, and opened Star Point Apartments and Lakeshore Villas, bringing 180 affordable units back to the market. We've also recently broken ground on Balsam Edge in Waynesville, continuing this momentum of recovery and growth across the region. 

As we mark this anniversary, we're taking a moment to reflect on how far we've come, acknowledge how much work remains, and recommit to the mission that brought so many of us to this work in the first place—building homes, neighborhoods, and hope and dignity in the people we serve.

We’re proud to share our 2025 Annual Report!

This report celebrates the people, partnerships, and progress driving affordable housing forward across western North Carolina. From developing new homes and groundbreakings for affordable rentals, to partnerships that build community and strategic planning shaping where we go next, these pages reflect the impact we've built together, and the future we're building toward.

As Lynn Cook, MHO Board Chair, and Geoffrey Barton, President/CEO, reflect:



"2025 was a transformative year for Mountain Housing Opportunities, marked by historic productivity and extraordinary generosity. The year centered on supporting our neighbors and communities through the continued aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, reminding us of the importance of things we sometimes take for granted: thriving local businesses, visitors from across the nation and the world, and artists and creatives who tell the stories of our shared experiences. We found solace in the bounty of our waterways, green spaces, and forests. And, of course, we were reminded of the foundational importance of having a place to call home."

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. We are also 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. Don't wait—registration closes on October 9th!

Looking to Become an Event Sponsor? 

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

Star Point Apartments and Lakeshore Villas, two of MHO's newest affordable housing communities, are now generating clean energy, thanks to a partnership with Pisgah Energy! Five new rooftop solar arrays will produce over 300,000 kWh of renewable energy each year, enough to offset the annual energy usage of 31 homes and cut approximately 190 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

The investment builds on a legacy of giving. Funding for the project came in part from a gift made in 2020 by the late Erna Earle, in memory of her husband and MHO founding volunteer, Norman Williston Earle.

"Affordability and sustainability go hand in hand," said MHO President & CEO Geoffrey Barton. "These arrays will lower the cost to operate these properties and help maintain their affordability while reducing our community's carbon footprint."



With this addition, MHO now has renewable energy at six of its multifamily communities, starting with Glen Rock Depot in the River Arts District in 2011.

Details on how to register will be available soon—we hope to see you there!

MHO proudly endorses the 2026 Buncombe County Bonds this fall, including a bond for affordable housing development. Local salaries fall far short of the $62,680 needed to afford a 2-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent.

The last bond helped deliver nearly 969 affordable homes across Asheville, Woodfin, Weaverville, and East Asheville. It provided assistance for local seniors' housing, MHO’s own Lakeshore Villas, a 120-unit affordable home community in Arden, and enabled millions in home repairs—from Tropical Storm Helene recovery to remodeling for aging and disabled residents.

The 2026 bond will continue this work: preserving housing, creating safe homes for low- and moderate-income families and residents with disabilities, adding parks and playgrounds to new developments, and protecting our landscapes and waterways from unmanaged development. We encourage Buncombe County voters to support this bond and invest in a community where everyone has a place to call home!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MHO'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS

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