Report Back

Updated 10/21/26: Cassidy Moore from Habitat for Humanity answered our outstanding questions:  Regarding the incomes to be served — Habitat’s homeownership program serves folks earning 40-80% AMI, with the average Habitat homebuyer earning around 55% of AMI. Regarding the question about serving Shiloh residents, our Homeowner Services team has been working with the Shiloh Community Association around affirmative marketing and outreach to Shiloh residents and people with ties to Shiloh that would like to return. The idea is to identify potential buyers with Shiloh roots early and help them navigate credit, employment, or other barriers to qualification that they might face.

Updated 10/19/26: City Council unanimously approved the rezoning allowing Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity to build 23 affordable homes in Shiloh. The discussion reinforced the project’s strong relationship with the neighborhood: Shiloh Community Association representatives spoke in support, and Habitat said the plan had improved through its work with residents. Council did not, however, substantially answer our questions about exactly what income levels below 80% AMI the homes will serve or whether existing Shiloh residents will receive particular opportunities to purchase them. Habitat did clarify that it participates in the Housing Authority’s homeownership voucher program and would be willing to use that program in this development, potentially creating another path to homeownership for lower-income households.

Total GAP Supporter Actions Taken: 14

Recipients and Responses:

Asheville City Council

• Mayor Esther Manheimer: No response
• Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley: Responded, see above (under homelessness report back)
• City Council Member Bo Hess: Responded, see above (under homelessness report back)
• City Council Member Kim Roney: Responded, see above (under homelessness report back)
• City Council Member Maggie Ullman:  No response
• City Council Member Sage Turner: No response
• City Council Member Sheneika Smith: No response

Summary: City Council will consider a rezoning that would allow Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity to build 23 affordable homes in the Shiloh neighborhood. We support expanding affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, particularly in historically underserved neighborhoods, while encouraging attention to affordability for existing Shiloh residents and long-term housing stability.

The Facts: Council will consider rezoning approximately 4.45 acres at Tried Street and West Chapel Road for a Habitat for Humanity development consisting of 18 townhomes and five single-family homes.

All 23 homes would be affordable to households earning no more than 80% of area median income (AMI), with affordability protections lasting no fewer than 20 years. City staff reports that the proposal is consistent with the Shiloh Community Plan developed in collaboration with neighborhood residents.

You can read the staff report for this issue here and see the presentation slides here.

Our Assessment: Affordable homeownership can help families build financial security and establish lasting roots in their communities. We welcome Habitat for Humanity’s proposed investment in Shiloh, and appreciate how they have developed it in close communication with neighborhood residents.

At the same time, it’s important to point out that affordability measured against the regional median income does not necessarily reflect what existing neighborhood residents can afford. We would welcome clarification on the income levels these homes are expected to serve, whether current Shiloh residents will have meaningful opportunities to purchase them, and how affordability will be protected over the long term.

These questions are particularly important in a historically Black neighborhood where preserving community stability and opportunity has long been a priority.

Things to Do (Updated 10/19/26): No additional action is recommended at this time. Last week, we invited you to email City Council to support the Habitat proposal while encouraging affordability and access for existing Shiloh residents.