Top U.S. Housing Official Visits Asheville as Advocates Call for Rent, Eviction Freeze

Photo bycitizen-times

Asheville, N.C. – Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Adrianne Todman, visited Asheville on October 11 to assess the damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene and discuss relief options for affected residents. She toured Klondyke Homes, a public housing neighborhood in Montford, alongside Housing Authority CEO Monique Pierre, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, and Buncombe County Commissioner Parker Sloan.

During her visit, Todman and Pierre addressed the possibility of rent reductions for residents impacted by the storm. Pierre confirmed that those who experienced a loss of income due to Helene would have their rent reduced to zero immediately upon request. However, she emphasized that each case would be assessed individually, stating, "We can’t just carte blanche; we have to make sure that we serve our residents individually based on their needs."

At a press conference, Todman assured that HUD is exploring all available options to support Asheville’s residents during recovery. She mentioned discussions with the local HUD field office and the Asheville Housing Authority to develop plans for rent relief and housing stability measures.

Advocates Push for Broader Relief

In the aftermath of Helene, which left thousands in Western North Carolina without power and water and claimed 72 lives in Buncombe County alone, advocacy groups are urging officials to implement a rent, foreclosure, and eviction moratorium. Jen Hampton, a housing and wages organizer with WNC Just Economics and the WNC Tenants Network, is pushing for a rent freeze in public housing. However, the Housing Authority of Asheville (HACA) has not yet confirmed any moratorium plans for October.

Public housing residents in Klondyke Homes, where fliers were distributed to inform them of waived late fees for October rent, are still waiting for further clarity. Pierre stated that while some requests for rent adjustments have been received, the full extent of aid remains uncertain.

Emergency Relief and Long-Term Plans

Todman announced that HUD would allocate $3 million to North Carolina through the Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) program. This funding will aid those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, providing emergency shelter, rental assistance for up to 24 months, and support services such as utility assistance and financial help for move-in costs.

For those displaced by the storm, immediate assistance is available through FEMA and the Small Business Administration. FEMA has set up a Disaster Recovery Center at A.C. Reynolds High School, while the Small Business Administration opened an assistance center at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce.

Looking ahead, Todman emphasized that HUD’s disaster recovery funds would support long-term rebuilding efforts for homes and rental units. She noted that Congress often provides additional funds through Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) programs, which may also focus on mitigating future disaster risks.

Touring the River Arts District (RAD)

Todman’s tour also included a stop in the River Arts District, where local businesses suffered significant damage from floodwaters. She met with Lucious Wilson, general manager of Wedge Brewing, whose Foundy Street location was destroyed. Wilson highlighted the community’s resilience, sharing how neighbors supported one another in the immediate aftermath.

Todman assured Wilson that HUD’s recovery efforts would also extend to small businesses, promising, "I'm going to make sure that people know your story back in D.C." She reiterated HUD’s commitment to both short-term relief and long-term rebuilding, emphasizing that federal resources would remain available to help the community recover and thrive.