Updated information, August 2, 2021
Buncombe County will begin accepting will begin accepting inquiries for the new Homeowner Grant Program on Friday, Aug. 6. While the City of Asheville is a funding partner, Buncombe County is administering the program designed to assist homeowners who may be struggling to pay property taxes.
Starting Aug. 6, eligible homeowners can submit an inquiry at buncombecounty.org/homeownergrant or call 828-250-5500 to start the application process. Phone support is available in any language.
“If you think you may qualify, but you aren’t sure, please give our team a call,” said Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “We know there are a number of unique circumstances, and our staff will work with homeowners to help find solutions.”
Homeowner Grant details
- Grant amount: Up to $300 for Buncombe County residents
o City of Asheville and Town of Woodfin residents may receive additional grant of up to $200
- Frequency: Annual
- Length of primary residence: Five years
- Household Income: at or below 80% of AMI
- Application: Income documentation required, unless already enrolled in HHS means-tested economic assisted programs
- Other programs: Applicant will be paired with best-fitting programs with no duplication of benefits. Your household cannot already be receiving tax deferment assistance like homestead exemptions.
- Eligible payment types: If eligible, grantees may choose to have grant funds applied to their property tax bill, city/municipality taxes, and/or applied to other housing-related obligations such as housing costs, mortgage, or insurance. Payments are made directly to the source of the approved bill. Payments will not be made directly to individuals.
Original post, July 27, 2021
As a part of the budget process this year, City Council members directed staff to look into programs that could assist homeowners who may be struggling to pay bills, specifically property taxes.
At their July 27 meeting, Asheville City Council voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with Buncombe County to participate in the Homeowner Grant Program. This is one key investment included in the City’s 2021-2022 budget area for Neighborhoods and Housing.
Through this program, residents who own residential property that they have lived in as their primary residence for at least five years and who earn less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as a household will be eligible to participate. Those who apply for the program and meet these criteria, will receive a maximum grant award of $300 from Buncombe County and $200 from the City of Asheville.
While Buncombe County will be running the program, the City of Asheville has budgeted $150,000 to pay out its portion of potential grants.
Applications will be available starting Aug. 1, and the deadline to apply will be Nov. 15. Buncombe County will work with the local media and add updates to the Homeowner Grant program on its website as more information and applications are available.