SHARE Asheville

We've found our dream home!
Previously my children and I lived in very violent environments. There was always a sense of fear and being on edge. Wanting to move towards homeownership where my children and I can be safe and feel comfortable. Where we can gather without being stressed about our safety.

As a result of our immediate need for safe housing, a group of dedicated volunteers and I created SHARE. SHARE is an emerging model for creative solutions to home ownership which involves relationship-led logistical, financial and legal support. Our hope is that SHARE can be a leader for future community efforts to secure deeply affordable and safe housing as an investment in Black families who have been failed by current and historical systems. For more information, visit our Website 

Today we are raising $78,000 for the down payment and closing/moving costs for a home purchase. A SHARE volunteer will own the debt for the home so that our family may immediately move in and experience the peace of mind that comes with safe housing. Over time and in collaboration with SHARE members, ownership of the home will transfer to our family. The relationship-building model of SHARE ensures our long-term success in retaining permanent housing because we will not be alone in navigating the sometimes-hidden challenges and costs associated with home ownership. 

See below for Our Family's Story:

I desire to be in my own home as I move toward self-sufficiency where I can be free to use my creative expressions. I desire to support myself comfortably outside of the traditional systems. I desire to support myself financially through my herbal remedies and crocheting arts. To support my family in a true community where we feel safe, connected, valued, loved, and supported. I see myself in a new home creating space for the community through my herb gardens; healing gatherings; and safe play and discovery for the children in the community.

 Previously I lived in places with very violent environments. I felt disconnected from being able to access tools that could empower my own healing and growth. There was always a sense of fear and feeling on edge in my own home. I never felt stable or safe with the choices I was given through the traditional methods of assistance.

In my previous housing situation, I made several attempts to create a positive environment despite being placed in very dangerous housing communities. The last push that placed my family and I into seeking respite where we are now at a friend’s house was the incident where a shooting occurred outside of my home while my children and I were home. Two bullets hit the concrete directly below my daughters room; two other bullets went through the first floor of my apartment through the window and into my pantry and heating vent; the outside structure was also hit several times. Fortunately no one was hurt physically.

My children 4 and 18 are still in the process of recovering from the psychological trauma and are being supported through therapy and spiritual support. Prior to being displaced I attempted to create a positive environment but every effort was met with destruction. I attempted to plant a garden twice and it was pulled up by the groundskeeper. There were other places around my home and housing community that I attempted to beautify and they were either trampled on or destroyed. I often found needles, liquor bottles, trash, smells and evidence of bodily excrement in my yard and other areas in the neighborhood.

I am asking for $78k for the down payment and closing/moving costs to obtain a space moving toward home ownership where my son can play safely, my daughter can enjoy her friends in and out of the home, and I can feel at ease knowing that we are all safe, comfortable and able to thrive. I will have a cup of tea in my garden, practice yoga, gather with friends without my mind being stressed out about our safety. I will be able to finally heal from all the constant trauma I’ve experienced in my life.As a result of this family’s immediate needs for safe housing our cohort created SHARE. SHARE is an emerging model for creative solutions to home ownership which involves relationship-led logistical, financial and legal support. Our hope is that SHARE can be a leader for future community efforts to secure deeply affordable and safe housing as an investment in Black families who have been failed by current and historical systems.