Homeowners facing foreclosure in Buncombe County, North Carolina, could receive up to $2,500 in emergency assistance under an expansion of the county’s Affordable Housing Services Program. The funding is aimed at residents struggling to keep up with mortgage payments as housing and living costs put pressure on household finances.
New Assistance Extends The Programme to Mortgages
The county’s Affordable Housing Services Program previously supported housing needs through local nonprofit organisations. This year, the programme has been expanded to cover mortgage assistance, giving homeowners facing foreclosure another potential source of support.
The money is distributed through participating nonprofit organisations rather than paid directly by the county to individual homeowners. Nonprofits must apply for funding before providing assistance to eligible residents.
Up to $2,500 Could Be Available
Eligible homeowners could receive up to $2,500 in assistance. The precise amount available to an individual household will depend on the programme’s requirements and the circumstances of the case.
The county previously allocated $225,000 to two local nonprofits through the housing programme. Commissioner Drew Ball stressed the need to help residents remain in their homes.
“One of the most important things we can do is keep people in their homes,” Ball said, noting that homeowners facing mortgage payments are also dealing with difficult financial decisions.
The Funding Is Limited
The county has acknowledged that the available funding is limited. That means the programme cannot provide assistance to every homeowner facing financial difficulties.
Residents who believe they could qualify should therefore contact the participating organisations as soon as possible to find out whether assistance is available and what documentation is required.
The county itself does not appear to be distributing the money directly to homeowners under the programme.
Foreclosures Have Become a Local Political Issue
Foreclosure concerns have also become part of the political debate in Buncombe County. Mayor Esther Manheimer has argued that a broader response is needed at the federal level to address the pressures facing homeowners.
Councilwoman Kim Roney, who is challenging Manheimer, has highlighted local efforts to coordinate support for residents. The disagreement reflects a wider question over how much responsibility should fall on local governments when households struggle with mortgage costs.
Homeowners Facing Foreclosure Should Seek Help Early
The assistance is intended for homeowners who are at risk of losing their properties. Residents who have fallen behind on mortgage payments should contact the organisations administering the programme to establish whether they qualify.
Homeowners should also communicate with their mortgage servicer and ask about available repayment arrangements rather than waiting until foreclosure proceedings have advanced. The $2,500 programme is limited to eligible residents in Buncombe County, and receiving assistance is not automatic.
For households that qualify, the expanded programme provides another potential source of support at a time when keeping up with housing costs has become increasingly difficult.
