Resource and Engagement Support Team (REST)

Last updated or reviewed on December 4, 2025

To contact the Asheville Fire Department’s Resource and Engagement Support Team (REST), submit an Asheville App request to report a safety concern related to an encampment. The request will be routed to REST, who will then respond to the situation by connecting with the individuals at the site. You can call the Asheville Police Department’s non-emergency line at (828) 252-1110 and request REST. For emergencies, always call 9-1-1. 

What we do

Our REST members actively engage with concerned residents, business owners, and those experiencing homelessness, demonstrating our commitment to finding solutions and connecting individuals to resources. 

Public resources

    • You can dial 2-1-1 or visit the website NC211.org to connect with local resources for needs such as housing, food, utility assistance, and more.
    • In any emergency, call 911. Dispatchers will send the appropriate personnel for the situation, including our REST members, to ensure a swift and effective response. 
    • Concerns about safety, including a possible encampment, can be submitted through the Asheville App. 
    • When initiated, our REST members will visit the site, connect with people camping, and work to resolve their situation. This proactive approach significantly improves the safety and well-being of all community members in that area. 

History

In the spring of 2023, community concerns about sanitation and safety in downtown Asheville were rising. In response, the city launched a 60-day initiative to address these issues. A key component of this initiative was to “reimagine public safety” by deploying a specially trained group of firefighters to address homelessness in the downtown area.

Historically, first responders have received dispatch calls concerning homeless individuals—often mischaracterized, such as someone being reported as “down” when they were simply sleeping on the sidewalk. When these situations were not emergencies, first responders had to return to service, even though those in need required more assistance to access resources and long-term help.

This is where REST (Resource and Engagement Support Team) came in. This team dedicated itself to handling most calls related to homelessness, allowing them to spend time with individuals in need, connect them to resources, and stay until the situation was resolved. 

REST effectively filled a crucial service gap, and because of its success in helping homeless individuals meet their needs, the city decided to make the program official.

Supporting Documents

REST resources

Code Purple/Winter Shelter Flyer

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