Asheville Faces Housing Crisis as Eviction Notices Surge Following Tropical Storm Helene

Asheville Community Faces Housing Crisis After Tropical Storm Helene

Asheville, a city known for its stunning mountain views and vibrant culture, is grappling with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. The storm, which hit in late September, left many residents facing tough choices between rent payments and basic necessities. One of those residents, Michael Coates, found himself in a heartbreaking situation when he had to prioritize his health over paying rent.

The Tough Choice

Coates, a chef who previously worked at the popular Stable Cafe on Biltmore Estate, was furloughed on October 14 due to the storm’s impact on the estate’s operations. He lives in Shiloh with his wife and faced a daunting dilemma: pay their October rent or buy a generator to keep his insulin refrigerated. Given the circumstances, he chose his health, but that decision came at a high cost.

After missing a couple of months’ rent, Coates was served with an eviction notice. “It’s ridiculous. I mean, to kick somebody out during a natural disaster is low,” he expressed, showcasing the desperation many feel in similar situations. Following a hearing on November 13, the magistrate ruled against him, declaring he owed two months of rent, and allowed the eviction to proceed.

A Community in Crisis

Coates’s story is just one of many in Asheville and surrounding areas, where the statistics are stark. Since the storm, a staggering 388 eviction notices have been filed across ten counties in Western North Carolina, according to David Bartholomew from Pisgah Legal Services. The majority of these evictions are occurring in Buncombe County, and while numbers may not dramatically exceed the previous months, they are on the rise, raising alarm among local advocates.

“We know that many people are hurting right now,” said Jackie Kiger, executive director of Pisgah Legal. Both tenants and landlords are feeling the pressure, and Kiger amplified calls for a 90-day eviction moratorium to provide essential time for recovery and support.

A Push for Change

Local advocates have rallied together, collecting over 500 signatures from elected officials and community leaders in support of this moratorium. “Without immediate action, we face not only further displacement but a long-term economic disaster,” the letter stated, warning that the housing crisis could deteriorate the area’s economy, which heavily relies on tourism.

While North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper has requested funding to assist affected areas, only $1 million was allocated for rental, mortgage, and utility aid — a sum that many believe falls short of what’s needed.

Grassroots Support Takes Action

In the wake of the storm, community support initiatives have taken root. Organizations like Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and Swannanoa Communities Together have stepped in to offer assistance. Grace Covenant reported distributing over $1 million in rent relief to struggling tenants since the storm, showcasing the philanthropic spirit that many locals have embodied during this challenging time. Pastor Marcia Mount Shoop emphasized the importance of landlords who are remaining flexible and supportive to tenants in need.

At Swannanoa Communities Together, sisters Beth Trigg and Mary Etheridge-Trigg have been instrumental in helping residents avoid eviction and find housing solutions. “This is not charity; this is people showing up for each other,” Etheridge-Trigg remarked, highlighting how the community has come together in a time of need.

Looking Ahead

While efforts are being made to alleviate immediate housing challenges, community advocates recognize the potential for resources to dwindle. Nearby, Antoine Boykin, a volunteer with the Asheville Dream Center, is aware of the fears many families face regarding their basic needs.“People are scared. Are you going to pay rent or are you going to feed your children?” he pondered, encapsulating the harsh reality many are living in.

The implications of eviction extend far beyond immediate displacement. With an eviction on one’s record, finding future housing becomes a significantly more difficult task. Kiger emphasized the long-lasting consequences that follow such legal actions, especially in an already tight housing market.

As Asheville continues to recover from Tropical Storm Helene, many residents are left hoping for policies that protect the vulnerable and enforce a humane response to natural disasters. The community’s resilience is on full display, but urgent action is desperately needed to secure the housing stability of its residents. While local organizations strive to mend the fallout, the looming threat of widespread homelessness remains a significant concern, illustrating the importance of unity and support during these tumultuous times.