WE'LL MAKE IT HOME TOGETHER™

March 2026

On Thursday, March 5th, 2026, MHO celebrated the groundbreaking of Balsam Edge, an 84-unit affordable housing community off Howell Mill Road in Waynesville! This is MHO’s first-ever project in Haywood County, and the 24th affordable housing complex developed by MHO since 1995. The development will offer 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes serving renters who earn between 40% and 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). Construction has already begun and is expected to be completed by the winter of 2027. 

Special thanks to our community partners who attended the groundbreaking, including Balsam Edge’s financing partners from Bellwether Enterprise, CAHEC, CFWNC Pigeon River Fund, Dogwood Health Trust, NCORR and Haywood County, the NC Housing Finance Agency, NeighborWorks America, and Self-Help Credit Union Ventures Fund. Housing Studio is the project’s architect, Civil Design Concepts is the civil design partner, and WEAVERCOOKE is the construction partner and general contractor.

MHO is excited to announce that two new affordable rental communities are now leasing with both tentatively slated to open in May 2026! 

Star Point brings 60 new affordable apartments to east Asheville off Tunnel Road, offering efficiency, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments for renters earning up to 60% AMI. Notably, twelve units are reserved for young adults aging out of foster care. Situated on Asheville's primary east-side commercial corridor, residents will have walkable access to two grocery stores, the Asheville Mall, and transit connections in both directions.

Lakeshore Villas brings 120 new affordable apartments to Arden, with one-, two-, and three-bedroom options also available to renters at up to 60% AMI. Located close to the Hendersonville Road primary commercial and commuting corridor near I-26 with transit connections in both directions, residents will enjoy scenic views of Lake Julian and have a range of indoor and outdoor amenities.

Both properties are proudly managed by Partnership Property Management. Interested renters can visit starpointnc.com or lakeshorevillasnc.com, call PPM at 828-575-2323, or stop by the temporary leasing office for each property: Star Point at 20 Lee Garden Lane in Asheville, and Lakeshore Villas at 1 River Glen Drive in Arden.

In 2025, MHO's Essential Home Repair (EHR) program served over 230 individuals and families, including replacing 49 roofs, completing 25 plumbing projects, building 21 new ramps, and installing heating units in 19 homes. In 2026, MHO has already completed over 40 repairs! Essential Home Repair improves quality of life, preserves affordable housing, and prevents displacement and homelessness for our neighbors.

Every person deserves to feel safe and secure in the place they call home. If your home needs critical repairs, we may be able to help. Reach out to learn more about eligibility and how to apply. Click the link below or call us at 828-254-4030. 

After 24 years at Merritt Park, MHO officially made the move! As of March 1, 2026, you can find us at 53 South French Broad Ave, Suite 100, Asheville, NC 28801. As our team and programs continued to grow, we officially reached capacity in our longtime office space and relocated to Aston Park Center during the last week of February. We're so glad to be settled into our new space and look forward to welcoming you here!

Affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges facing our community, and we're glad to be part of the conversation about how we can create more housing! Last Monday, MHO's President & CEO, Geoffrey Barton, joined local leaders from LOTSAR, the City of Asheville, and the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge as a featured panelist at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce's Policy on Tap. The group explored what it will actually take to meet the growing housing demand in western North Carolina, a conversation that's more important than ever. Thanks to everyone who came out to the Funkatorium on March 23rd!

Join us on Wednesday, April 8th from 12:00–1:00 p.m. at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center (121 Shiloh Rd, Asheville) for "The Heart of Home," a community conversation hosted by AARP about housing, aging in place, and intergenerational living in Asheville. MHO's President & CEO, Geoffrey Barton, will be a featured speaker alongside City of Asheville staff, covering recent housing policy changes, including accessory dwelling unit (ADU) updates, and what may be coming next. Resources on property tax relief, reassessment timelines, and the appeals process will also be available. Learn more about how to register! 

Save the date for MHO’s annual fundraising event, BUILDING HOPE, returning to Highland Brewing Company on Thursday, October 15th, 2026! Stay tuned for more details, including sponsorship opportunities and a timeline of events! Learn more!

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