Coordination and Communication
The Homeless Initiative works to create space in the community for people and organizations to share their experience, knowledge, and talents, joining the community together in our efforts to end homelessness.
Without the dedicated time of many, many volunteers, our events would not be possible – thank you!
Upcoming
Homeless Persons Memorial Day - December 21, 2011
Every year, over 20 people die while homeless in this community alone. Recent deaths of well known people have brought the issue home, and people throughout Asheville and Buncombe will join together to lift up the lives of those who died. As we come together to remember those who died, we will also recommit ourselves to ending homelessness so that no one has to die on our streets.
Date/Time: December 21, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Location: Haywood Street Congregation, 267 Haywood Street
Partners: Haywood Street Congregation, First Presbyterian Church, Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Initiative & Homeless Coalition.
This event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. For those who want to give, donations of hats, gloves, mittens and jackets will be accepted at the Haywood Street Congregation on December 21.
We invite you to join us in unity by lighting a candle in your window during the night of December 21st, the longest night of the year. By lighting the candle you will stand in solidarity with residents and businesses across the community. Feel free to print this poster and post as an alternative to burning a candle, or as a way to further promote this event to others.
Past Events
A success story from Project Connect in our community:
A volunteer who'd helped serve food was downtown the Saturday after Project Connect and the VA Stand Down. A woman approached her, and the volunteer wondered why. Perhaps in the past, she would have suspected the person was about to ask for help and turned away, weary. Instead, she listened as the woman approaching said: "I know you! You served me food on Friday - thanks!" This opened the door for a conversation between the two women about Friday's event, which closed by the woman experiencing homeless noting that "I wish you could do this every day." What a great chance for these two women to share an experience that's allowed them to pass each other on the street and greet each other as fellow neighbors.
Project Connect: Lessons Learned in Asheville, NC(PDF)
Contact Information
Homeless Initiative
Planning & Development Department
Community Development Division
Location: Asheville City Hall, 70 Court Plaza
Mailing: PO Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Email: homelessinitiative@gmail.com
Phone: 828-515-1668