What is your mission?
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, Inc. is a nonprofit ministry dedicated to building simple, decent houses with community volunteers in partnership with qualified families currently living in inadequate housing.
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When did Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, Inc. begin?
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (AAHH) incorporated in 1983 under the name of Western North Carolina Habitat for Humanity making it the first Habitat affiliate in North Carolina. Today the state boasts 87 affiliates.
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How many houses has AAHH built?
We have completed 163 houses and plan to build 16 houses this year.
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What does Habitat for Humanity do for our community?
The most visible benefit to our community is new safe, decent, affordable, houses. Less visible is the economic impact a Habitat home produces. Each time a family moves out of subsidized housing, tax dollars are saved. Further benefits are delivered as the new homeowner begins to pay real estate taxes on his/her property. For example, vacant lots contribute very little in yearly property taxes, while a Habitat home, depending on its value, can contribute as much as $1,300 per year in taxes.
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Who can apply to own an AAHH home?
Anyone who is 18 years of age or older and has the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract may apply for an AAHH home.
Please refer to
Homeownership Opportunities for details.
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Do you give the houses away?
Habitat is not a give-away program. It is a “hand-up, not a hand-out”. Habitat homeowners pay back the cost of their house through a no-profit and no-interest loan.
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Do Habitat families have to make a down payment on their homes?
No cash down payment is required.
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Where does Habitat build?
AAHH builds only in Buncombe County. Currently we are building in the Enka Hills subdivision in
west Asheville.
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What kind of homes do we build?
AAHH builds modest 2, 3, and 4 bedroom houses that range from 800 to 1,400 square feet in size. Houses are “stick built” (not pre-fabricated) and meet or exceed Energy Star Home Certification standards ensuring future homeowners with energy sensitive building standards of the highest order. Starting in January 2008, all AAHH homes will be bronze level certified HealthyBuilt Homes, reflecting our continued commitment to environmental sustainability and "green building". All AAHH houses have been designed by local architects.
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What is the cost of a Habitat home in Asheville?
Depending on the size, Habitat houses cost the homeowner between $100,000 and $125,000. The fair market value of these houses is between $132,000 and $163,000.
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Who funds and builds AAHH Habitat houses?
Individuals, businesses, the faith community, civic organizations, foundations and the Habitat Home Store all come together to fund and build the Habitat houses. Mortgage payments from Habitat homeowners are recycled into the funding of additional Habitat houses. See our
Sponsor page for more information.
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How can I donate?
To explore the many ways to contribute to the Habitat homeownership program, visit our
Donation Page.
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Who can volunteer for Habitat–Asheville?
Anyone over the age of 16 can volunteer with AAHH. No previous construction experience is required. Volunteer opportunities are available at our construction site, Home Store, or in the administrative offices. Please see our
Volunteer Page.
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How can I volunteer?
If you are interested in volunteering, please register for the one hour
Volunteer Orientation. You can call our office at 828-251-5702, send an email to
Beth Russo, Volunteer Coordinator or
click here to register on online.
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What is Habitat for Humanity International?
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. There are more than 2,100 active affiliates in 100 countries, including all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. Use our
affiliate search to find Habitat affiliates in your area. Donations to HFHI are used as designated by the donor. Gifts received by HFHI that are designated to a specific affiliate are forwarded to that affiliate. Undesignated gifts to HFHI are used where most needed and for administrative expenses.
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What is your connection to Habitat for Humanity International?
We share a name and a vision with Habitat for Humanity International. We are an independent corporation governed by a local board of directors.
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Does AAHH Habitat donate any money to Habitat International?
Asheville Area Habitat tithes $1,500 per locally built house to Habitat International. Our affiliate has designated this money in support of the Habitat affiliates in Guatemala.
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Is Habitat a Christian Organization?
Habitat for Humanity was founded on Christian ideals and welcomes people of all faith traditions. You do not have to be Christian to volunteer or apply for housing with AAHH.
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