These 440+ square foot houses will be built chiefly with donated labor and materials. We’ve partnered with our community at large and with the Asheville Home Builders Association whose members have pledged their support for our Blitz Build event this fall. We’ve received in-kind donations from architects, engineers, surveyors and other industry professionals. And additional generous contributions from the greater Asheville community have funded more than 70% of the construction cost.
Our model home was erected in the fall of 2020. We’ll break ground on the remaining 11 houses this July.
BeLoved Asheville has a long history of delivering compassion, support and relief to people in need. We are an agile and tenacious organization that believes we can have an outsized impact on the health and wellbeing of people in our region. It turns out that housing quality and stability are among the leading determinants of positive health outcomes. So, naturally we set out to improve housing.
BeLoved Village is more than just housing.
- It’s a multifamily community with an equity-building model for residents.
- It’s a neighborhood with diversity and connection built into its fabric.
- It’s a model for a meaningful way forward combating the housing crisis through the power of community.
- It’s a HOME for people who’ve been left behind by the housing market.
We’re building a Village on donated land, situated on a public transit route, just a short ride from the commercial centers of Tunnel Road and Downtown Asheville.
The design of the homes includes ample porches, nestled along walking paths allowing the Village to live up to that name. Additionally, there is designated community space that residents will elect to improve together as they see fit – perhaps as gardens, or recreational areas.
We’re Building a Community
Once our multifamily development is completed, the community building begins. Residents will be chosen from an applicant pool based on demonstrated need, an income level around 30% AMI (Area Median Income), and other criteria. A Village council will be formed and rules will be written by the residents – with the aid of expert facilitators – to give meaningful structure to their community.
We’re Building Equity
Because of zoning limitations and site practicalities, the houses in this village could not be subdivided, thus residents will not own their home (future developments may differ). But they will accrue equity on a schedule similar to a traditional mortgage.
The multifamily community will be owned in Trust by a non-profit entity. The Trust has a 30 year maintenance fund, and resident management model. Residents are not beholden to a landlord, but will be supported by community guidelines to maintain their homes as if they owned them, with equity preservation as their incentive. Because giving people agency can contribute to well-being and ultimately to positive health outcomes, too.
Upon moving away, residents will be able to take their equity with them. If they elect to stay a while, they may also borrow against their equity.
