Buncombe County -- August 7, 2026: Buncombe County officials are considering changes to housing assistance programs as demand for financial help from local residents continues to grow.
The discussion comes as the county's newly launched General Assistance Program (GAP) has drawn heavy interest since applications opened July 1. The program provides short-term financial assistance to qualifying Buncombe County residents struggling with essential expenses such as housing and utility bills.
GAP is available to both homeowners and renters, although homeowners receive priority during the initial months of the program. Assistance remains available only as long as allocated funding lasts.
The county expanded eligibility for the program this year, including allowing renters and other non-property owners to apply and allowing residents who receive property-tax exemptions to qualify. Funding for GAP comes from a combination of Buncombe County and City of Asheville funds.
Under the current GAP guidelines, qualifying households can receive up to $500, depending on income. Payments are made directly to landlords, utility companies or other approved vendors rather than to applicants.
Separate housing assistance changes under consideration
At the same time, county officials are reviewing possible changes to Buncombe County's broader Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program, which supports income-qualified households facing housing instability.
Current county guidelines allow assistance for expenses including security deposits, moving costs, first month's rent and eviction prevention. The existing guidelines set maximum assistance at $2,500 per household, with assistance above $1,500 reserved for eviction prevention.
County officials are considering revisions that could simplify the assistance limit and broaden the program's focus to include both renters and homeowners facing the loss of their housing.
Buncombe County's current housing resources already identify missed mortgage payments and foreclosure prevention among the types of housing instability for which residents may be able to obtain assistance through county-supported organizations.
Who may qualify?
Income eligibility for many Buncombe County housing programs is based on Area Median Income, or AMI. Tenant-based rental assistance generally serves households earning 80% or less of the area's median income, although individual organizations administering assistance may impose additional requirements.
For 2026, Buncombe County lists the 80% AMI income limits as:
One-person household: $57,350
Two-person household: $65,550
Three-person household: $73,750
Four-person household: $81,900
Income limits increase for larger households.
Residents seeking tenant-based rental assistance may receive services through organizations including Eblen Charities, The Arc of Buncombe County, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry and Buncombe County Health and Human Services. Eligibility varies depending on the organization and type of assistance requested.
Changes are not yet final
The important distinction for residents is that the broader housing-policy changes being discussed by county officials have not yet been finalized.
Any proposed increase or restructuring of assistance should not be interpreted as a newly approved $2,500 benefit available to every applicant. Eligibility, available funding and the circumstances facing an individual household will continue to determine whether assistance is available.
The discussion comes as Buncombe County continues to confront housing affordability and housing instability across the community, placing increased pressure on programs intended to help residents avoid eviction, foreclosure and displacement.
Residents looking for current housing assistance information can contact Buncombe County Community Development/Affordable Housing at 828-250-5560. Information about the General Assistance Program is also available through Buncombe County Health and Human Services.