TransylvaniaHousing.org

Transylvania County     
Workforce Housing Coalition    

The ability to own a home has become more and more a challenge for the average moderate and middle income worker. Sale prices rose dramatically in the past several years, making it difficult to find housing in Transylvania County that can accommodate a large segment of its population. It is time for more affordable housing and it is time for action.

In April of 2007, concerned citizens got together and hosted a housing summit. It brought people from all over the county and state that sought ways to improve the housing dilemma. As a result, five committees were formed to investigate ways to accomplish housing goals. Sine then, the coalition has been working diligently to find ways to provide affordable homeownership

Working families that make 60% to 120% of the median income as defined by HUD. This includes; teachers, police and health care workers. An example, is a family of three making from $30,720 to $51,200 gross per year. People whose income falls within these limits, can usually (with good credit) afford a property from $115,000 to $191,000.

It is apparent that this income group is caught between low income housing programs and the average market rate housing. Finding a property within an affordable range is nearly impossible when the average property sold in 2006 was $313,986.

The Coalition wants to match qualified homeowners with qualified builders that will help make the “American Dream”, a reality.