Meet the Homeowner

“A Habitat home would allow me to age in place safely and with dignity.”

~ From Deborah’s application letter

Deborah is proud of the life she has cultivated in Asheville. Her social network, in addition to immediate family, ties her to this city. She has also found a community in her work at Brooks-Howell, a continuing care retirement community. “My work is meaningful,” she says, “I know that I contribute to the community.” Deborah also enjoys volunteering and fostering animals.

Deborah’s living situation lacks the security and safety for her to comfortably remain in Asheville. Her rental cottage, which was built in 1915, needs serious maintenance. The owner has declined to make repairs, such as the addition of a safety railing on the front steps, without a significant rent increase. Deborah is already cost-burdened by rent, meaning she spends more than 30 percent of her income on housing. Although Deborah is frugal by nature, the pandemic and ensuing shutdown seriously hurt her finances.

Deborah will purchase a New Heights Aging in Place home in December 2022. For Deborah, this home will represent a fresh start and an opportunity to build equity. She looks forward to inviting her friends and family to visit in a space all her own. “I relish the thought of being able to enhance my living space and its exterior spaces. I am an avid container gardener,” Deborah says, “It will make a world of difference. It would be a source of pride.”

About the House

TYPE: 1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath

STYLE: Aging in Place unit

HOUSE SIZE: 884 square feet

LOCATION: Lot 35, Construction site at New Heights, off of Old Haywood Rd

CONSTRUCTION START: Tuesday, May 10, 2022

STATUS: roof underway

About the Sponsor

The design and construction of these Aging in Place homes is made possible through our partnership with, and the generosity of Deerfield Charitable Foundation, and the Board and Residents of Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community. The Adopt-A-Lot sponsors are Spencer and Carol Duin.