Charleston housing fair connects residents with homeownership assistance

Charleston housing fair connects residents with homeownership assistance

Charleston, W.Va. — Housing organizations and real estate professionals gathered in Charleston on Saturday to help residents navigate rising housing costs and learn about homeownership assistance programs.

The third annual Charleston Housing Fair connected residents with lenders, Realtors and community organizations offering down payment assistance, housing counseling and home repair resources.

According to the Kanawha Valley Board of Realtors, its reported 2026 residential market figures show an average home price of more than $237,000.

Angela Mayfield, an associate broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central, said limited affordable housing inventory and price restrictions on assistance programs can make finding a home difficult.

But buyers may not need as much money upfront as they think, according to Kevin Jones, executive director of the Religious Coalition for Community Renewal (RCCR).

"You don't necessarily need that nowadays. So there are so many different loan programs available," Jones said.

One option is Charleston's HOME Blend program, administered through the Mayor's Office of Economi...