Description
* ISO Large Team (8-12 members) *Looking for a meaningful, hands-on alternative break experience? Join Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity for a week of service in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina (45 minutes S/E of Great Smokey Mountain National Park). Students will be immersed in Asheville’s vibrant arts culture, incredible food scene, and miles of scenic trails while contributing to hands-on work that strengthens our community. Affordable housing has long been one of Asheville’s most urgent challenges, and the need has only intensified in the wake of 2024’s devastating tropical storm – Hurricane Helene. With median home prices over $590,000, rents above $1,500, and vacancy rates near 1%, many Asheville families struggle to find safe, stable housing. Hurricane Helene has only intensified this need, driving greater demand for repairs, accessibility upgrades, and long-term recovery support. Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity partners with families to build and preserve affordable housing through volunteer labor, homebuyer sweat equity, green building methods, and no-profit mortgages capped at 30% of income. Our Home Repair program also plays a critical role in helping long-time residents remain safely in their homes – an effort now more important than ever after the storm’s impact. A Collegiate Challenge week offers students the chance to learn new skills, forge meaningful connections, and play a direct role in Asheville’s ongoing recovery and resilience, while creating memories that last far beyond spring break.