The Rural Rehabilitation Program improves homes in rural Buncombe county by making them safer, more energy-efficient and more durable. Twenty-eight homes were rehabilitated under this program by the end of 1994, and twelve will be complete in 1995. For these two programs, special priority is given to the elderly, to the disabled and to families with children. M HO also provides low-income people with affordable housing. In the Ashevile area, mobile homes provide the lion's share of new homes for those in the lower income bracket.
Many mobile homes have high energy costs, higher mortgage rates and can depreciate rapidly.
One of MHO's goals is to reduce the dependence upon these mobile homes by providing a viable alternative. The organization renovates existing houses and builds new house which it sells to low-income families. MHO helps people build personal savings through home ownership. The organization provides access to loans through innovative financing arrangements for people who would otherwise find it difficult to secure loans. The homes are safe and energy-efficient.