On Feb. 1, a homeless camp under an I-240 bridge in the City limits was removed. The action did not align with the City of Asheville’s typical practice in handling homeless camps. The City Manager’s Office met with Division 13 North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) staff Feb. 2 to fully understand what occurred and [...]
With temperatures going down into the 20s this week, the Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Coalition has called a Code Purple for people who need shelter. Starting Dec. 1, shelter will be available at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak St., for about 30 men and up to 20 women and children. This is in partnership with Western Carolina Rescue [...]
As part of the nationwide 2020 Point-in-Time (PIT) count, the Asheville-Buncombe County Homeless Initiative has completed its report of the community’s one-night count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The final report was submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) on May 15. Asheville’s count was conducted in the afternoon and evening [...]
The City of Asheville, Buncombe County, Homeward Bound and numerous community partners organized a resource for individuals without homes at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on April 8. As the City of Asheville’s 30-day agreement with Homeward Bound to manage an emergency homeless shelter at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville has expired, staff and community partners [...]
The City of Asheville and Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville announced this month the launch of multiple efforts to provide support to citizens of Asheville and Buncombe County. Although all events have been cancelled or postponed until June 5, the venue has opened its doors to provide a home for multiple COVID-19 support initiatives, including [...]
In a coordinated effort, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, Homeward Bound and numerous community partners organized a resource for individuals without homes at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville. The coronavirus outbreak represents a significant health risk for people experiencing homelessness. People living unsheltered are also far more likely to have chronic health conditions, one of the [...]
Update: For a map of temporary, portable hand washing stations and restrooms, visit this link. The map is being updated as new stations are installed. Original post: With the COVID-19 public health emergency going on it has never been more important to be able to wash your hands. Besides keeping 6 feet of distance [...]
As temperatures begin to drop we want to make sure people know where to go when frigid weather strikes. If you or someone you know needs shelter, the following sites are available when the Asheville-Buncombe CODE PURPLE is in effect. Code Purple is a voluntary effort among private sector shelter providers, coordinated by the
Partnering with Homeward Bound, the City of Asheville will fund a full-time position to provide assertive street outreach for homeless populations not currently being served. At their Sept. 24 meeting, City Council allocated $150,000 in the adopted Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget to Homeward Bound for homeless street outreach services. This will be used to [...]
The National Weather Service has placed Asheville and Buncombe County under a Winter Weather Advisory from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday. Jan. 29. According to the Weather Service, there is an 80% chance of snow on Tuesday, with a small accumulation possible, in the 1 to 3 inch range. This will be accompanied [...]
An interfaith memorial service to honor Asheville’s homeless and formerly homeless citizens who died in 2018 is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 19 at Haywood Street Congregation, 297 Haywood St. The Haywood Street Congregation provides several ministries to those experiencing homelessness, including twice-weekly meals and worship services and a medical respite care program. The Rev. [...]
With temperatures expected to be below freezing overnight much of this week, the Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Coalition issued its CODE PURPLE overnight through Dec. 8 and will likely extend it further in the week due to impending winter weather. The purpose of the CODE PURPLE procedure is to provide a coordinated effort among Asheville and Buncombe County, [...]