About the House

TYPE: 2 Bedroom/ 1 Bath

STYLE: one-story townhome

HOUSE SIZE: 864 sq ft

LOCATION: Lot 9, Construction site off Glenn Bridge Rd SE in Arden

CONSTRUCTION START: Tuesday, September 12, 2023

STATUS: back door ramp underway

Meet the Homeowner

“I just want to have a place of permanence and knowing that it’s mine and I can stay there forever. This will give me a great feeling of freedom.”

~ from Deborah Humphries application letter

Deborah Humphries has a message for renters living in corporately managed apartments-tenant beware.  For 36 years Deborah and her mother rented one of these apartments. Year after year their rent increased, and every few months there was a new leasing manager.

Having spent her childhood in one public housing unit, Deborah was excited to move into the shiny new apartment. For several years, the apartment served as a sanctuary for her and her mom. A few years into their lease, Asheville’s popularity began to rise, and with it the rent. For several years, mother and daughter made it work as a team. Then Deborah’s mother passed away, and everything changed.

Despite being surrounded by advertisements claiming “Community Starts Here” and “Where You Come First”, when she lost her mom, the message was clear. Being an exemplary tenant for 36 years meant nothing. The rent was going up by $340, and there was no room for negotiation. After decades of living in the apartment, and while grieving the loss of her mom and best friend, Deborah was forced to move.

For the time being, Deborah is grateful to have a temporary home with her sister, but with Habitat, Deborah will have a real community and finally, her forever home.  When Deborah got the news that her application was approved, she immediately thought of her mom. “I wish my mom could be here. She would be so proud.”

About the Sponsor

Deborah’s new home in Habitat’s Glenn Bridge neighborhood is the 2024 House of Faith, funded with support from a longstanding coalition of faith communities and individuals. Additional funding was provided by The Rusty Pulliam Foundation. This will be the 50th Habitat house built by a coalition of dedicated faith partners. The Adopt-a-Lot sponsors are Barbara and Larry Griswold in honor of All Faith Partner Volunteers.