Buncombe County Opens Affordable Housing Grants Prioritizing Storm Recovery

Buncombe County has launched a new funding round through its Affordable Housing Services Program (AHSP), authorizing grants and other supports to organizations that deliver affordable housing projects across the county. The announcement, posted Jan. 5, outlines eligible uses including construction grants, tenant-based rental assistance, emergency repairs, down payment assistance and administrative support to help programs operate and expand.

The AHSP intends to address urgent housing needs, with this cycle explicitly prioritizing applicants whose proposals respond to need created or worsened by Tropical Storm Helene. That prioritization directs limited local resources toward households and projects affected by storm-related damage and displacement, potentially accelerating repair and relocation work for impacted residents.

A virtual, non-mandatory pre-application conference was held Jan. 8. County staff are offering appointment slots for one-on-one applicant meetings during Jan. 12–16 and Jan. 19–23 to review program requirements and application details. Interested organizations are instructed to submit proposals online at buncombenc.gov/apply; the deadline for project proposals is Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. The county’s announcement also provides contact information for the Community Development Division for technical questions and application assistance.

For local nonprofits, housing developers and service providers, the AHSP represents both an opportunity and a compressed timeline. Applicants must move quickly to secure meetings, prepare required documentation and tailor proposals to the county’s stated priorities, particularly projects that will stabilize households affected by Helene. Administrative support funds included in the program can help organizations scale up intake and case management to meet demand, while construction and repair funds target physical recovery and long-term affordability.

For Buncombe County residents, the program could translate into repaired homes, prevented evictions through tenant-based rental assistance, and expanded pathways to homeownership for qualifying households. Prioritizing storm-related need aims to limit long-term housing instability for families displaced or harmed by recent weather events.

County officials emphasize the online submission process and availability of staff appointments to guide applicants through program requirements. Organizations that deliver affordable housing services and community groups planning recovery projects should consult the application portal at buncombenc.gov/apply and contact the Community Development Division ahead of the Jan. 30 deadline to ensure proposals are complete and aligned with the AHSP priorities.