Myths & Facts

In This Section

    Busting Stereotypes and Facing the Issues

    Homelessness is an issue that the entire community must face, but how much do we really know about homelessness? How much of what we know is tied to personal experiences that are then generalized? What is the reality of homelessness vs. our perception of homelessness?

    National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty: Myths & Facts

    As a member of this community,

    What if I'm about to become homeless or am already experiencing it?

    Perception vs. Reality

    Homeless people not only suffer from the hardship of their condition, but also must deal with the alienation and discrimination brought about by the stereotypes about homelessness. What follows are some of the myths and the realities about homelessness.

    Myth: Homeless people are a fixed population who are usually homeless for long periods of time.

    Fact: The homeless population is quite diverse relative to their length of homelessness and the number of times they cycle in and out of homelessness. Research indicates that 40% of homeless people have been homeless less than six months, and that 70% of homeless people have been homeless less than two years.

    Myth: Homeless people are mostly single men.

    Fact: Families constitute a large and growing percentage of the homeless population. A recent study found that families comprise 38% of the urban homeless population. Other research has found that homeless families comprise the majority of homeless people in rural areas.

    Myth: Homeless people don't work and get most of their money from public assistance programs.

    Fact: Many homeless people are among the working poor, and a relatively small percentage of them receive government assistance. A nationwide study in 1987 found that only 20% of 1,704 homeless people received public assistance. A study done in Chicago found that 39% of the homeless people interviewed had worked for some time during the previous month.

    Myth: They're to blame for being homeless.

    Fact: Most homeless people are victims. Some have suffered from child abuse or violence. Nearly one quarter are children. Many have lost their jobs.

    Myth: They are dangerous and they break the law.

    Fact: In general, people experiencing homelessness are among the least threatening groups in our society and are more likely to be victims of crime. Although they are more likely to commit non-violent and non-destructive crimes, they are less likely to commit crimes against person or property.

    Myth: Charitable groups will take care of the homeless.

    Fact: The growth of homelessness has far exceeded the capacity of charitable groups. Homelessness is a societal problem that requires a partnership between private charities and the government, with active public support.

    Is it realistic to think we can actually end homelessness?

    Ending homelessness doesn't mean that no one will lose housing in the future and become homeless. Rather, ending homelessness means changing our homeless service system so that we are able to respond to people in housing crisis with a rapid and sustainable solution. By coordinating our community's resources and focusing on housing as the solution, we can end homelessness for people currently experiencing it, and help people who become homeless get back into housing quickly. Asheville and Buncombe County have a 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness that outlines our community's strategy for shifting our approach to addressing homelessness in these ways.

    Will the plan make the City of Asheville and Buncombe County a "magnet" or sanctuary for homeless persons, attracting them here from other cities?

    There are over 300 communities across the country currently creating housing plans for homeless people in their community, eliminating the incentive for those individuals to relocate to our community. Homeless people who move to new areas do so because they are searching for work, have family in the area, or for other reasons not related to services. A recent study found that 75% of homeless people are still living in the city in which they became homeless.

    As a member of this community, what does this plan ask and expect of me?

    Get involved! Call 2-1-1 to learn about community agencies that serve people experiencing homelessness. Visit www.handsonasheville.org to find volunteer opportunities in the homeless service system. Donate money or other resources to an organization working to end homelessness. Contact the Homeless Initiative to learn more about the homeless service system and how you can help end homelessness in our community.

    Don’t give money to panhandlers and advise your friends against giving. Give instead to organization that work on solutions that will have a lasting impact on the lives of homeless people.

    Encourage groups and organizations where you are a member to get involved in mentoring a family that is homeless.

    Consider offering a job to a person who is working to get off the streets.

    Does the Homeless Initiative have any housing accommodations?

    No, but the Homeless Initiative is made up of agencies, programs, and developers who have accommodations.

    As someone experiencing homelessness, am I eligible for housing assistance?

    Everyone is entitled to help and advice. How much help you can get you will depend on your circumstances. To learn more about resources in our community, call United Way's community resource hotline by dialing 2-1-1. Here are some agencies that can help you obtain housing, depending on your circumstances:

    What about temporary housing accommodations?

    If you become homeless, it will depend on your personal circumstances, particularly if you have no family or friends in the area that you can stay with. Emergency shelters, if they have space and can accept you, will provide you with temporary accommodation if you need it while you work to obtain housing.

    The time it takes to be permanently re-housed will depend on the size of property required, where you wish to live, the demand for accommodation in that area and your support needs.

    I need advice on my housing situation, where can I go?

    OnTrack offers a free referral service to assist you with any housing problems, whether you own your own home or are a tenant or lodger. OnTrack's number is: (828) 252-7702.

    Advice can be given over the telephone, or you can ask for an appointment to see someone if you’d prefer. Drop in sessions, where no appointment is needed are also operated. Ring the team for further details.

    In most cases you will be advised directly but in some instances you may be referred to other services for specialist advice.

    The confidential and impartial advice covers a range of issues:

    • Help with finding housing accommodations
    • Help with housing and welfare benefits
    • Help to understand your legal rights
    • Rent and mortgage help
    • What to do if you are threatened with eviction or repossession
    • What to do if your present accommodations are unsuitable due to medical needs
    • What to do if you property needs repair by your landlord

    OnTrack also publishes a number of advise leaflets, related to some of the above topics. Call for details.

    What should I do if I find an apartment?

    Most private landlords require rent in advance and a deposit. In certain circumstances, there are funds to provide help for people who are homeless and are looking for housing. Ask housing providers you work with for more details.

    I am having problems paying my rent because of debt. Who can I talk to about this?

    To gain control of your finances, contact OnTrack at (828) 252-7702.

    If you are at imminent risk of loosing your housing because of non-payment of rent or utilities, contact 2-1-1 to find out which crisis service serves the area you live in. Here are some agencies that are members of the BEACON group:

    I am thinking of leaving home for the first time. What advice can you give me?

    Leaving home can give you more freedom, independence and space, but it’s not guaranteed to be a positive experience. It isn’t always easy to find a suitable place and living on your own can be expensive. Preparing properly makes the process easier and can help to avoid being homeless. Find out about your rights, talk to your family and friends, work out your finances and find a place to live before you leave.

    Contact 2-1-1 for a referral to a housing provider to talk in on confidence and receive expert housing advice.

    I am a young person living at home and have been asked to leave, but don’t want to. What can I do?

    The Department of Social Services may be able to get in touch with your parents to arrange a meeting where you can discuss your difficulties and come to a mutually satisfactory solution to enable you to stay or return home.

    Buncombe County Department of Social Services: 250-5500

    I am splitting up with my partner, how can I avoid becoming homeless?

    Couples experiencing the breakdown of a relationship can approach organizations such the Mediation Center to help with relationship difficulties. People experiencing domestic violence can call the domestic violence hotline at 254-0516.

    I am living with friends, but they have asked me to leave. What can I do?

    You will probably have to leave unless the person agrees to let you stay longer. It is usually worth asking if you could stay a little longer while you try to find somewhere else to live.

    My landlord has asked me to leave, what can I do?

    You do not have to leave just because you’ve been told to. A legal process must be followed which varies depending on the type of tenancy. A verbal notice is not usually valid. If your landlord harasses you by making threats, cutting off services or changing the locks contact Pisgah Legal Services.

    Call Pisgah Legal Services at: 253-0406

    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

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