New Asheville housing project breaks ground

The Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 3 p.m. The event is scheduled at 30 Olin Haven Way in Asheville. The ceremony marks the start of construction for a new permanent housing development named Empowerment House.

Empowerment House is designed to provide long-term housing for residents currently in transitional programs. The project will include 26 one-bedroom apartments and nine two-bedroom apartments. This creates a 35-unit community at the existing Transformation Village site.

Transformation Village currently serves 100 women, mothers with children, and female Veterans who are experiencing homelessness. The ministry states that the new development will add affordable housing alongside case management services. These resources are intended to help residents stabilize their living situations.

ABCCM officials say the project will focus on strengthening life skills and connecting residents with community resources. The organization aims to help residents work toward personal and financial goals after they move into permanent units. The ministry noted that the development builds on the existing support structure already in place at the village.

UnitedHealthcare is providing a financial investment to expand the housing and support services at the site. ABCCM credited its church partners and community allies for their ongoing support of the mission. The organization thanked UnitedHealthcare specifically for its contribution to the expansion.

The new complex is located within the Transformation Village area. The ministry describes the site as a place for healing and stability for its residents. The 35 new units will join the existing housing stock available to the women and families served by the ministry.