• 2023 Annual Report Header Image

Message from Andy

Several times in 2023, I remarked that at Habitat we believe in a brighter future because we build it every day. With every repair, more of our neighbors live with dignity in a healthier home. With every home we sell, we share our region’s prosperity more justly. Every time you give, volunteer, advocate, or join as a partner with Asheville Habitat, those countless connections confirm that there is more light than darkness in our community. 

Throughout our 40th year, we came together building homes, community, and hope. In 2023, New Heights Drive evolved from a jobsite to a neighborhood of nearly 40 families. Empty land in Arden gave way to a new jobsite, Glenn Bridge. We repaired 56 homes in Buncombe and Madison counties. 386 new donors and 845 new volunteers joined the movement for a world where everyone has a place to call home. Our Restores had a record year with strong donations and a growing Deconstruction program. Generous shoppers contributed nearly $25,000 to local initiatives through the Register Round Up program.  

This annual report highlights the stories of how we are building the place we call home. We forge our hopes for this community into reality through generosity, compassion, and skill. What a gift to be able to do this work with all of you this year. 

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Andy Barnett, CEO 

  • New Heights

    Nh Phase 1 And 2 8.21.23(3)

  • Glenn Bridge

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  • Madison County house

    Mad Co House

  • Home Repair

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72

families served through
new home, home repair, and
home revitalization programs

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  • Melvin House
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“I would like to thank you for helping me to provide not just a place to stay for me and my son, but a home. This means a lot being that I am trying to show my son what achieving your goals looks like…Knowing that we have a home to call our own gives me more than enough strength to know that there is more in store for us in the near future…Again, thank you for assisting us while we turn the key to our brighter future.”

Housing Solutions

New Homes

New homes were the singular housing solution for decades. Wall raisings, key passings, and neighborhood dedications are all synonymous with new home construction. Today our new home program includes the iconic single-family detached home as well as two-story townhomes, one-level Aging in Place townhomes specifically built for age 55+, and walk-out townhomes that better use land and make building on grade possible.

Hear from Aging in Place homeowners

Home Repair

Home Repair is integral to providing affordable housing in our area. Whether fixing a leaky roof, installing a ramp, or replacing heating systems, our program enables homeowners to live safely, and with dignity. Home Repair preserves the character, affordability, and diversity in our local neighborhoods and allows long-time residents to stay in their most affordable option- the home they already own, and avoid being priced out of their community. We served our 500th home repair client in 2023.

Meet Mary, a home repair client

Home Revitalization

We understand that sometimes people need to move for any number of reasons, and we support families through their life changes. Habitat mortgages and deeds of trust provide Asheville Habitat with first right of purchase when an owner decides to sell. When it makes sense, we exercise that right and purchase the home.

We renovate the home to like-new standards and then sell the home to another homebuyer who qualifies for our program. Our Home Revitalization program retains affordable housing stock, helps combat gentrification, and provides more families the opportunity to improve their housing. 

Read about Ashley’s revitalized home

Bringing People Together

 

Advocacy Spotlight: SOID Protections

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With Habitat’s support, a coalition of local fair housing advocates and residents impacted by housing discrimination launched an advocacy campaign aimed at urging local elected officials to adopt policies that prohibit source of income discrimination (SOID) in government-funded or incentivized projects. SOID occurs when a housing provider denies a person a lease for housing based on the type of income they use to pay rent. This includes Housing Choice Vouchers, VASH vouchers for Veterans, child support and alimony, student loans, inheritances, disability checks, and any rental assistance from community organizations or government entities. Source of income is not currently a protected class under our local, state, or federal Fair Housing Acts. 

DYK? In Buncombe County, 1 out of every 3 issued housing vouchers go unused each year. Source of Income Discrimination plays a large role in compounding our local affordable housing crisis.  

The coalition actively participated in meetings with elected officials and local government staff and offered public comments in public City and County meetings, urging the adoption of policies that promote inclusivity in affordable housing projects. 

Ultimately, both the City of Asheville and Buncombe County adopted source of income discrimination protections in their housing funding policies. This achievement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to creating a community where housing is a right, not a privilege. This advocacy campaign exemplifies the power of collaboration, community engagement, and perseverance. We’ve demonstrated that positive change is possible when we come together with a shared vision, and that great power lies in sharing the voices of those impacted by housing inequity. Together, we can continue transforming communities and building a brighter future for all. 

by Cassidy Moore

Sponsor Spotlight: Celebrating a Centennial with home

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A non-profit’s favorite phone call is one announcing an unsolicited sponsorship or gift. The March 2022 call from Pastor Matt Smith of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church was that kind of call. The Church wanted to sponsor a Habitat house to celebrate an exciting milestone – their Centennial! St. Mark’s has supported Asheville Habitat for more than 23 years as an active participant in our annual House of Faith. In addition to contributing financially, St. Mark’s volunteers have contributed 13,500 hours of service to the building of local Habitat homes. Because St. Mark’s partnership with Habitat has been a big part of their philanthropic efforts for the last quarter century, building a home to celebrate their anniversary was a natural fit. We are grateful for the enduring partnership of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and are honored to be part of their 100th Anniversary. Cheers to the next 100! 

Pastor Smith shared, “Partnering with Habitat was an easy decision for us. In fact, it was one of the selling points for our campaign. Everybody was excited to get to sponsor this house, and that excitement is a big part of what helped make our campaign a success! We’re grateful for the wonderful work Habitat does in our community, and proud to partner with Habitat in giving people pathways to the stable foundation that homeownership provides.” 

Read more…

Donor Spotlight: A Gift of Equity

Most people who support affordable housing make a financial donation, volunteer with a non-profit working in that space, or advocate for policy change. A donor we’ll call Sarah took a different approach. 

Sarah disclosed during the phone call that she wanted to donate a brand new 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home in West Asheville. More specifically, she wanted to donate a considerable amount of equity. Asheville Habitat purchased the home for just one-third the market rate, which was far less than our cost to construct a comparable Habitat house. A buyer that qualified for our affordable homeownership program will purchase the home and pay an affordable mortgage, not to exceed 30% of monthly income. 

“Habitat’s commitment to helping families navigate the many barriers to homeownership in our society, including lack of affordable housing stock, inability to access a mortgage due to strict credit requirements, and daunting down-payments/closing costs, is really inspiring. I know that each family who builds a home with Habitat will access the powerful tax-incentives of homeownership, capture the growth of their asset over time, and be on a path towards financial security for their family through intergenerational wealth-building.” 

We are grateful for Sarah’s generosity and “outside the box” thinking. Whether a gift of equity or something else, we hope her story inspires others to think creatively when it comes to supporting affordable housing and programs that increase equitable access to housing in our community. 

Read more…

Volunteer Spotlight: Duo Wins Statewide Award

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Tricia and Charlie Franck were bestowed a statewide Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service. The couple has been volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, locally and internationally, for more than 15 years, and call their service with Asheville Habitat their “retirement passion”. From implementing a Student Build program and partnering with homeowners to build Little Free Libraries, to volunteering weekly on the construction sites or in the ReStores and serving on committees and the Board of Directors, there is little this dynamic duo has not done to help move our mission forward. Read more…

Partner Spotlight: MANNA FoodBank

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manna at habitat

In celebration of respective 40 year anniversaries, and in a nod to the deep importance of volunteer support at each organization, leadership from Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and MANNA FoodBank spent a day in each other’s shoes.  

MANNA helped to build homes and operate a retail store, and Asheville Habitat participated in the warehouse operation devoted to taking care of those in our community facing food insecurity. Joining the organizations’ leaders were a group of extra-devoted volunteers: those that are core (weekly) volunteers with BOTH organizations! These volunteers were recognized at a happy hour event held in their honor at Highland Brewing, at the end of the special volunteer day. 

Both organizations attribute their longevity and success to the region’s supportive community. MANNA involves, educates, and unites people in the work of ending hunger, and Habitat brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Engagement opportunities like those offered by both organizations are attractive to people who want to be part of the solution, and there is overlap between the non-profits’ volunteers, donors, and advocates. 

“Housing and food are two of the most important basic human needs. These two organizations work incredibly hard to ensure residents have shelter and sustenance, and I am proud to be involved with them.” ~ Jan Cosman, core volunteer and supporter of Habitat and MANNA 

Read more…

Special Honors

Aging In Place Home At New HeightsOur New Heights neighborhood is home to an award-winning house design, The Deerfield. This single-level Aging in Place (AIP) townhome specifically designed for adults age 55+ was awarded Best in Accessibility in Habitat for Humanity International’s nationwide house design contest. The Deerfield is also Asheville Habitat’s only house model to earn the Gold level of Green Built certification. 

The unit’s name, The Deerfield, is a show of deep appreciation for Deerfield Retirement Episcopal Community and its Charitable Foundation. They provided the funding for the research needed to successfully develop senior-oriented housing and sponsored the first 8 AiP units.  

Read more…

Dick Allen Llp AwardLong-time Habitat volunteer, Dick Allen, received a prestigious award in 2023. This 20-year Monday core volunteer was inducted into The Order of the Long Life Pine! Since 1963, North Carolina’s governors have reserved their highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.  

“Dick truly embodies the spirit of a servant heart. He’s humble, generous, and a genuinely good person to the core. He is a dedicated volunteer and an invaluable asset to Habitat for Humanity and the Asheville community.” ~ Stephanie Wallace, Volunteer Manager 

Cassie Dillon was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) -WNC Chapter as an Outstanding Philanthropist. A devoted ReStore volunteer and a former chair of our Board of Directors, Cassie generously supports Asheville Habitat’s Homeownership and Home Repair programs. In addition to her work with Habitat, she serves as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for the well-being of at-risk children, and is a passionate supporter of Pisgah Legal Services. 

1,943

volunteers

62,708

hours of volunteer service

3,078

service hours by AmeriCorps members

3,741

Sweat Equity hours by homebuyers & repair clients

Thank you volunteers!

Volunteers make the Habitat world go-round! Your tireless efforts across all areas of the organization increase our capacity to serve our community. The cumulative efforts of nearly 2,000 individual volunteers equated to more than 62,000 hours of service in 2023. And according to Independent Sector, that’s a value of nearly $2 million! When we say, “We cannot do what we do without our volunteers,” we mean it. Whether you join us once or once a week, your contribution of time and talent is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Click the photos below to see a list of 2023 Core Volunteers by area.

Top 5 Volunteers 

  1. John Harvin – 727 hrs.
  2. CJ Obara – 644 hrs.
  3. Melissa Banks – 603 hrs.
  4. Janis Rose – 577 hrs.
  5. Jerry Ray – 560 hrs.
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Thank you donors & sponsors!

Financial gifts to Asheville Habitat directly support our work of building and repairing homes. Affordable housing remains a critical issue in our community with 53% of renters cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of their income in rent.) And as the gap between cost to build and what our homebuyers can afford to buy widens, your donations are even more critical. Thank you for supporting this life-changing work – so generously and so faithfully.

Our Donors Our Sponsors

Read about the tangible outcomes of Asheville Habitat’s work, made possible with your support, in this report.

40 Year Impact Report
  • Elevation Church Team
  • Duke Energy Team
  • Americas Homeplace Team
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1,182

donors gave generously

372

gave for the first time

ReStore Highlights

 

Deconstruction aids construction

Kitchen Decon

Salvageable items such as cabinets, appliances, lighting an,d flooring can be gently extracted prior to demolition or remodeling by our skilled Deconstruction team. Items are sold to the public in the ReStore, with proceeds from sales supporting Habitat’s work. Hire our Deconstruction team, and you’ll help Habitat build and repair more homes in our community, while keeping usable materials out of local landfills. It’s a win-win-win!

Register Round Up milestone

Through the Register Round Up program, ReStore shoppers have the opportunity to contribute to the work of a wide range of non-profit organizations meeting myriad community needs. In 2023, thanks to the generosity of those who chose to “round up” at the registers, $24,591 was raised and donated to 11 local non-profits and a Habitat for Humanity disaster response effort. This brings the cumulative total of funds raised through the program to-date past the $100,000 mark! 

“It was a big year and your contribution through the Round Up made a huge difference,” shared Aiyanna Foltz, Donor Relations Manager at Bounty and Soul. “We are so thankful to the ReStore and Habitat for Humanity for nourishing so many through the Register Round Up program!”

Another way to shop

Shopify Item

In an effort to expand beyond a brick & mortar business, we launched an online storefront in 2023. You can now shop from the comfort of your home for unique items that can range from authentic Tiffany crystal and original Star Wars figures to mid-century furniture and antique jewelry. A new endeavor, items are currently available for pick-up only. Check back often to see what’s new and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Visit our online store today!

Showcasing inside talent

ReStore Supervisor Tim stands at a Silent Auction display case, surrounded by employee and volunteer-made art.The ReStore ran a very special Silent Auction, in which each item was handmade and donated by an Asheville Habitat staff member or core volunteer! Paintings, stained glass, pottery, wood turned pieces, and more was on offer. The inaugural special auction, the brainchild of ReStore Supervisor Tim Bromley (pictured), was deemed a success, so stay tuned for the second annual in 2024.

149,745

customers

2,851

tons diverted from landfills

5,317

donation pick-ups

1,985

lbs. of emission savings through Smash My Trash

637,914

items sold

14,670

lbs. of fabric recycled through GreenZone

Thank you ReStore Business Partners

 
Benbow & Associates Logo
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Deerfield Logo 2020 Green
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Jag Logo
Home Source Logo Green Clear
Mountain Paint
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Beyond our borders

We were thrilled to host our friends from Habitat for Humanity Guatemala in 2023. For 30+ years, we have tithed funds to HFH Guatemala to support their work and organized Global Village trips to build. Over three decades of partnership, Asheville Habitat has helped more than 1,330 Guatemalans improve their housing through new homes and Healthy Home Kits (smokeless stoves, latrines, water filters). It was a pleasure to learn more about their work, including the 100,000 Floors to Play on campaign, and to show them around our building sites. While there are some differences in our programs, we were reminded of the many similarities and of the interconnectedness of Habitat’s work around the globe.  

We continued our partnership with Habitat in Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Haiti, and Habitat for Humanity’s Orphans & Vulnerable Groups (OVG) Fund. Thanks to a gift from Mackenzie Scott, special tithes were made to international affiliates who were also celebrating 40-year anniversaries: Habitat Kenya, Uganda, and India. 

Communications Director and staff lead of our Global Engagement Committee, Ariane Kjellquist, represented Asheville Habitat on a Kenya Tithe Champions Learning Trip last fall. “From innovative building materials and job training programs, to community-based advocacy work in informal settlements and the installation of community water projects, Kenya’s work is inspiring and I am thrilled that AAHH is a partner in this transformational work,” she shared.

 

  • Guatemala

    Guatemala House

  • Ethiopia

    Ethiopia

  • Haiti

    Haiti

  • Kenya

    Kenya

  • Uganda

    Uganda

  • India

    India
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Financials

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FY2023 Audited Financials
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Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Branch at 919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the State.

Meet our Staff & Board