MHO Brings Affordable Homeownership to Black Mountain with Launch of New 60-Home Community Development
Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO) is thrilled to mark a significant milestone in the development of a new affordable housing community in Black Mountain. In December 2024, MHO finalized the purchase of an 8-acre property near Exit 66 off I-40, with plans to build 60 affordable single-family homes. Conveniently located off Old US-70 and just five minutes from downtown Black Mountain, the site is fully permitted and ready for construction. Initial grading is underway, and the approved site plan outlines the development of 60 single-family homes.
The Black Mountain site will be developed in three phases, each consisting of 20 homes, beginning after infrastructure improvements are completed in November 2025. Phase 1 is tentatively scheduled to start at that time, with Phases 2 and 3 planned for September 2026 and July 2027, respectively. Located in a USDA-eligible area, the site is well-positioned to utilize USDA Section 502 financing—an important tool for supporting both MHO’s Self-Help Homeownership Program and Turn-Key Homeownership Program. A total of 18 homes are expected to be built through the Self-Help Program, with six participating families (cohorts) in each construction phase.
“I’m incredibly proud to see this project take root right in Black Mountain. This development represents more than just housing—it’s about creating opportunity, stability, and hope for 60 families,” says Charlie Owen, MHO Board Chair. “Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of strong local partnerships and dedicated financing partners, we are one step closer to making homeownership a reality for many who need it most, especially after Hurricane Helene.”
MHO received generous support from Black Mountain Presbyterian Church in the form of a $500,000 donation to help fund infrastructure work ahead of the planned start of Phase 1 in November 2025.
“MHO has been a leading driver in affordable housing for the past 36 years and our church is thrilled to partner with MHO in bringing homeownership to more citizens of our town and valley,” says Mary Katherine Robinson, Black Mountain Presbyterian’s pastor. “We were given a lot of funding in response to our disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Helene. We were strategic in finding a balance in using the funds for emergency needs, as well as long term more sustainable needs. We can’t think of a better use of these funds.”
Additional infrastructure support comes from First Citizens Bank. Construction financing partners and supporting partners include the Truist Foundation of WNC, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, the Dogwood Health Trust, and Buncombe County Planning & Development. Kimberly Levi is the project’s architect, Civil Design Concepts is the civil design partner, and MHO serves as the general contractor. The first phase of construction is slated to begin in November, with the final phase tentatively slated for completion in the spring of 2028. To learn more about MHO’s Homeownership programs, please visit www.mtnhousing.org/own-a-home.