Buncombe County is excited to announce the inquiry process is now open for the 2022 Homeowner Grant Program. This program is officially in its second year, and qualified homeowners will have an opportunity to receive financial assistance for housing-related costs. The program website is now accepting inquiries for support, or homeowners can call (828) 250-5500. You must call or submit an inquiry to determine eligibility.

With the FY23 budget approval, the Board of Commissioners approved $300,000 for the program, and through a collaborative partnership, residents in the City of Asheville and the Town of Woodfin will be eligible to receive additional assistance. You may qualify for up to $300 in unincorporated Buncombe County, and up to $500 in City of Asheville and Woodfin. Please note that applicants who received grants last year will need to re-apply.

Through this program, residents who own residential property in Buncombe County that they have lived in as their primary residence for at least five years and who earn at or less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as a household may be eligible to participate. Those who apply for the program and meet these criteria may receive up to $300 from Buncombe County and up to $200 from the City of Asheville or the Town of Woodfin.

If eligible, grantees may choose to have grant funds applied to their property tax bill and/or paid and applied to other housing-related obligations such as housing costs, mortgage, or homeowner’s insurance. Payments are made directly to the source of the approved bill. Payments will not be made directly to individuals. There are several new aspects to this year’s program including new eligibility requirements, and now mobile-home owners may receive the grants.

• You must have owned and lived in your home for 5 years or more
• Your home must by your primary and only residence
• Your household income is at or below 80% of area median income (AMI)
• Your household cannot already be receiving tax deferment assistance like elderly/disabled, or Veterans exemptions.
• You must not have more than $60,000 in liquid resources (for example: your cash on hand, checking & savings accounts combined, or other investments available to you within 7 days)

The inquiry process will be open through Sept. 30. Eligible homeowners can submit an inquiry on the homeowner grant website or call (828) 250-5500 to start the application process. Phone support is available in any language. Please note that we anticipate a high volume of calls and inquiries at the onset, and it may take a few weeks for a case manager to get back with you.

“If you think you may qualify, but you aren’t sure, please give our team a call,” says 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.”

Buncombe County is excited to announce the inquiry process is now open for the 2022 Homeowner Grant Program. This program is officially in its second year, and qualified homeowners will have an opportunity to receive financial assistance for housing-related costs. The program website is now accepting inquiries for support, or homeowners can call (828) 250-5500. You must call or submit an inquiry to determine eligibility.

With the FY23 budget approval, the Board of Commissioners approved $300,000 for the program, and through a collaborative partnership, residents in the City of Asheville and the Town of Woodfin will be eligible to receive additional assistance. You may qualify for up to $300 in unincorporated Buncombe County, and up to $500 in City of Asheville and Woodfin. Please note that applicants who received grants last year will need to re-apply.

Through this program, residents who own residential property in Buncombe County that they have lived in as their primary residence for at least five years and who earn at or less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as a household may be eligible to participate. Those who apply for the program and meet these criteria may receive up to $300 from Buncombe County and up to $200 from the City of Asheville or the Town of Woodfin.

If eligible, grantees may choose to have grant funds applied to their property tax bill and/or paid and applied to other housing-related obligations such as housing costs, mortgage, or homeowner’s insurance. Payments are made directly to the source of the approved bill. Payments will not be made directly to individuals. There are several new aspects to this year’s program including new eligibility requirements, and now mobile-home owners may receive the grants.

• You must have owned and lived in your home for 5 years or more
• Your home must by your primary and only residence
• Your household income is at or below 80% of area median income (AMI)
• Your household cannot already be receiving tax deferment assistance like elderly/disabled, or Veterans exemptions.
• You must not have more than $60,000 in liquid resources (for example: your cash on hand, checking & savings accounts combined, or other investments available to you within 7 days)

The inquiry process will be open through Sept. 30. Eligible homeowners can submit an inquiry on the homeowner grant website or call (828) 250-5500 to start the application process. Phone support is available in any language. Please note that we anticipate a high volume of calls and inquiries at the onset, and it may take a few weeks for a case manager to get back with you.

“If you think you may qualify, but you aren’t sure, please give our team a call,” says 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.”

In order to provide more regular and consistent hours, Buncombe County Public Libraries will be adjusting operating hours on Thursdays starting the week of Sept. 19. All libraries will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursdays, rather than the previous schedule of 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., with the goal to reduce unscheduled library closures.

Buncombe County Public Library schedule as of Sept. 19:

• Sunday & Monday – Closed (No change)
• Tuesday – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (No change)
• Wednesday – 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. (No change)
• Thursday – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Two-hour reduction from previous schedule)
• Friday – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (No change)
• Saturday – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (No change)

Library books can be searched and reserved 24 hours a day using the NC Cardinal portal. Browse and download books anytime with the N.C. Digital Library.

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.

We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:

Twice each year, the Asheville Downtown Association surveys its members and the downtown community on issues related to downtown. We understand that downtown and our City are facing significant overlapping challenges and have been meeting with City and County leadership and staff as well as other organizations. The data collected in this survey will help us further those conversations into solutions. The data collected in the survey will be shared with City and County elected officials and staff. Survey responses are anonymous. We appreciate your response by Friday, September 23.

Apply by September 27 | The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant is designed to provide financial support for events that serve both the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area.

Buncombe County is seeking applications to join the Strategic Partnership Grant Committee. This is a chance to participate in a public budgeting process to help shape the future of Buncombe County.

About the committee: The purpose of the Committee is to make Strategic Partnership Grant investment recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for Buncombe County. Strategic Partnership Grant funding is granted to nonprofit organizations working toward outcomes in alignment with County Commissioner goals. The committee generally meets the first Thursday of every month from 1-2:30 p.m., with special meetings as needed.

More information is available at BuncombeCounty.org/Grants.

The opportunity:

• This seat may only be held by a resident of District 1 of Buncombe County. (Not sure of your district? Click here to search your address in the Representative Finder.)
• This seat is for the remainder of a term ending 6/30/25. (Terms are for 3-years, and members are eligible to serve more than one term.)
• Diversity and inclusion are critical to our grants process, and people of color/BIPOC individuals are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants should not have any conflicts of interest with nonprofits applying for Strategic Partnership Grants, to include not currently serving on the Board of Directors or staff of an applicant organization. How to apply: Click here to complete an online application. The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 23.

Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences. Using a per capita based formula, the program provides funding for the arts in all 100 counties of the state through partnerships with local arts councils. The Grassroots Grant Program is made possible by the Grassroots Arts Program of North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, and Buncombe County Government.

The Grassroot Arts Program provides programmatic and operating support for nonprofit arts organizations in Buncombe County. Grants for FY23 will range from $2,500-7,500 dollars depending on the size of the organization. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2022.

Multicultural programs and organizations located outside of the City of Asheville will receive special consideration. To be considered a multicultural organization the mission of the organization must be focused on supporting African American, Asian American, Latino, or Native American cultures. For a program to be considered multicultural it must be conducted by artists, ensembles, or organizations of color.

Over the past two years, artist-researcher, community organizer, and Center for Craft grant recipient, Macon Reed has built Hello Death, Where Have You Been All My Life? an immersive installation that harnesses the social function of ritual space to reflect, process grief, heal, and envision alternative futures.

This September, several breweries are participating in our annual campaign that unites MANNA and our local brewers, Hops for Hunger.

For every pour of a particular brew, the brewery will donate $1 to MANNA. This month’s participants include 12 Bones Brewing, Bold Rock, Boojum Brewing Company, Burning Blush Brewery, Green Man Brewery, Hi-Wire Brewing and Mills River Brewing Company

The Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) is now accepting proposals for the remainder of fiscal year 2022-2023. The JCPC announces the availability of small allocations totaling $84,902 in state funding for local nonprofits and public agencies working to serve youth involved in, or at-risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. The JCPC addresses the gaps in youth services by promoting prevention, intervention, treatment and aftercare strategies and programs which strengthen families and support community safety.

Click here for Request for Proposals (RFP)

The JCPC is seeking innovative projects designed to address the identified needs in our community – highlighted in the 2021 Risk Needs Summary Report:

• Runaway from Home or Placement
• School Behavior/Adjustment
• Substance Use Within Past 12 Months
• Abuse Neglect History
• Sexual Behaviors During Past 12 Months
• Mental Health Needs
• Basic Physical Needs/Independent Living
• Conflict in the Home Within Past 12 Months
• Family Supervision Skills

Based on these factors and possible gaps in the Continuum of Services, the following program types will be considered for funding:

• Runaway/Temporary Shelter
• Comprehensive Clinical Assessments (CCAs)
• Restitution/Community Service
• Teen Court/Restorative Services
• Substance Use Services
• Parent / Family Skill Building
• Vocational Skills
• Interpersonal or Experiential Skills
• Structured Day / Tutoring / Academic Enhancement / Mentoring

Application Information

The Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) is responsible for reviewing and allocating funds to programs designed to serve youth involved in, or at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system, and to reduce the number of youth who enter the state’s youth development centers. Any nonprofits or public agency interested in applying for JCPC funds is required to send a representative to the applicant orientation.

NEW applicants are required to attend a mandatory orientation (prior applicants may also attend). For information about the program application workshop and other technical assistance contact Lorraine Williams, Area Consultant, Community Programs Western Area Office, 828-405-4056, [email protected].

Interested organizations are required to complete an online application through NC ALLIES (A Local Link to Improve Effective Services). Organizations can review application instructions here.

Current JCPC funded programs requesting additional funds should submit a budget revision in NC ALLIES and email JCPC Admin [email protected] a summary detailing the amount of the request and purpose for additional funds.

Private nonprofits are also required to submit in NC ALLIES, No Overdue Tax forms, Conflict of Interest Statements, and, if requested, proof of 501(c)(3) status.

Application submission deadline is Thursday, October 6th, 2022, by 5 pm. All applications must be submitted in NC Allies; once the application is submitted in NC Allies, send a copy via email to [email protected].

­­­­Applicants will be required to present their proposal during an Allocations Hearing. Applicants will be contacted with the date and time of this meeting upon submission.

For additional information regarding the application process contact Hannah Legerton, JCPC Administrator, (828) 250-4087

Please see the linked Request for Proposals and visit Buncombecounty.org/grants for more information.

Note: The JCPC had allocated $84,902 to Trinity Place Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter for the upcoming year; unfortunately the program announced their closure effective 5/15/2022. The JCPC has until 12/31/2022 to reallocate funding that had been designated for Trinity Place.

Buncombe County is committed to building a healthy, safe, well-educated, and thriving community that is equitable and sustainable. Buncombe County invests in our community through eight grant programs supporting organizations working in support of the Buncombe 2025 Strategic Plan focus areas and goals. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are critical to our grants processes, and Buncombe County encourages participation from organizations led by and providing service to people of color/BIPOC individuals.

More about the Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Program

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Division of Juvenile Justice partners with Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils in each county to galvanize community leaders, locally and statewide, to reduce and prevent youth involvement with the juvenile justice system. The intent is to provide community-based alternatives to youth development centers and to provide community-based programming, treatment, counseling or rehabilitation services for youth involved in, or at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system.

This is an initiative of the NC Department of Public Safety, Division of Juvenile Justice, Juvenile Community Programming, and the Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.

Nantahala Outdoor Center’s premier Mountaintop Zip Line Tour takes the heart-pounding intensity up a notch when it’s under the night time sky! On dates near a full moon, NOC offers limited trips on this stunning Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour.

Zip under the night sky while taking in the sights and sounds of the calm Blue Ridge Mountains. NOC’s expert aerial guides use glow sticks to signal you, and you use glow sticks to paint the night sky. This adventure truly feels magical.

NOC’s Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line Tour consists of two-miles of mountaintop-to-mountaintop zip lines, culminating in the heart-pounding 1/2 mile Mega Zip underneath the stars – silhouetting stunning 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Highlights

• NOC’s Moonlight Mountaintop Zip Line is an unparalleled experience of mountaintop-to-mountaintop zips under a full moon.
• Glow sticks are used by Aerial Guides to signal you forward through the course.
• Participants use glow sticks to paint the star-filled sky.
• The 1/2 Mile Mega Zip is the true gem of the trip – offering silhouetted 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the starry night sky.

What to Expect

Please check-in for your trip 30 minutes prior to your reservation at the Adventure Deck. All guests should have prior zip lining experience. Once being fitted for equipment, guests will shuttle to a ground school where they will receive instructions on how to use glow sticks to signal with the Aerial Guides. Guests will be required to demonstrate proficiency in zip lining including breaking.

If you’re behind on your water bill or afraid your water might get cut off, a new resource might be able to help you. On Jan. 4, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $450,000 in federal funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The initiative is aimed at preventing water disconnections and helping reconnect drinking and wastewater services.

The LIHWAP will be administered by Buncombe County-based Eblen Charities. The nonprofit will make payments directly to utilities on behalf of qualifying households. The program is slated to run through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.

Eligibility requirements

Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services from Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.

For additional eligibility information or to apply, please contact Eblen Charities at (828) 255-3066.

OUTPACE HUNGER

FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!

What Is Outpace Hunger?

Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!

For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!

How It Works

Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!

You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.

Outpace Hunger participants:

(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.

(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.

(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.

(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.

Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food. 

READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?

REGISTER NOW!

ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?

VISIT YOUR PAGE

 NEED MORE INFORMATION?

OUTPACE HUNGER HOW-TO GUIDE

Make a $20 donation or more to either REVOLVE or the Bob Moog Foundation (or both), and be entered into a raffle to win wonderful prizes such as our new Sync T-Shirt, Records and Tapes from the Make Noise Crew, and an XPO! For every $20 you donate, you’ll receive a raffle ticket. Donations must be made September 9-September 27 10AM EST directly to the org using the links provided (coming soon), and you must include Make Noise in the memo line. These orgs will send us a list of all donors & donations on the 27th, and we will announce the winners live in person at our Closing Party September 29th. Items will be mailed the following week, unless the winner is there to receive it. People who come to the pop-up for a demo will receive an extra raffle ticket after they donate.

Why do these organizations mean a lot to the Make Noise Crew?
REVOLVE is a place we go to often–to play, to see each other play, to immerse ourselves in sound, to experience installations, to gather with other artists. REVOLVE provides inclusive programming centered around sound experiments, and that’s joy for us!

The Bob Moog Foundation creates hands-on opportunities for folks of all ages to explore the science of sound. We especially love the work they do teaching children about the intersection of music and tech, preparing them for a lifetime of sonic adventures!

ReUse Contest Guidelines

WHEN
The contest begins on August 1, 2022 and ends on September 30, 2022. Winners will be announced in October.

WHO
Anyone! (Except employees of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity)

WHAT
The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore is hosting the 11^th annual ReUse Contest to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials.

Winners will be selected in the following categories:

• Furniture: $200 ReStore gift card
• Homesteading (i.e. chicken coop, raised bed): $200 ReStore gift card
• Live and/or work space: $200 ReStore gift card
• Art: $200 ReStore gift card
• Home Decor: $200 ReStore gift card
• Vans & Vehicles: $200 ReStore gift card
• Best in Show: $500 ReStore gift card

Winners will be announced in a press release, on Asheville Habitat’s website and social media pages, and featured in the Asheville Habitat ReStore.

OTHER DETAILS

• Entries must be submitted electronically using the form provided.
• Projects should have been completed within the last 2 years.
• You may submit up to three separate projects (individually).
• Re-submission of a project submitted in previous years will not be accepted.
• Incomplete entries will not be considered.
• Questions? Email [email protected].

JUDGING
There will be 5 judges, assessing entries based on:

• Quality of design and execution
• Replicability of concept
• Clarity of description
• Quality of photos (if we can’t see it well, we can’t judge it fairly)

Byer’s Precision Fabricators announced today that they have been named as a semi-finalist in the “Coolest Thing Made in NC” Competition.

Registration is now open for the next session of youth tennis classes starting September 13th at Hendersonville Racquet Club.  Kids are put in groups based on age and ability with seven levels available.  The session is six weeks long and is $79 for members or $99 for non-members for one class a week plus a play day at the end of the session.  Two days a week (12 sessions) is $129/169.

“Our youth tennis program has something for any child who wants to play.  From beginner to high performance player, we put them into situations where they will be challenged and can succeed while having a fun time doing it.” stated HRC Director of Junior Tennis Carlista Mo.

The format for this session is having classes once or twice for six weeks. Maximum six kids per class.  Each level of class is offered during the weekday and again on Saturday afternoon.  Then the session concludes with a fun “Play Day” where they can get match experience.  All classes are taught by certified tennis professionals and will be held on HRC’s arena courts.  For more info go to www.hvillerc.com or contact 828-693-0040 or [email protected].

Hendersonville Racquet Club is a six acre complex that includes 6 outdoor tennis courts, 3 arena tennis courts, 5 pickleball courts, four racquetball courts, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, group fitness room and outdoor leisure area by Shaw’s Creek and pond.