The City of Asheville is committed to supporting the work of the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care in ending homelessness in our community. The goal of this page is to provide information and resources for residents and businesses to understand how to respond to issues related to homelessness. If you have questions or would like to share info on a resource that is missing here, please contact helpendhomelessness@ashevillenc.gov.
How to request support
- To help connect a person experiencing homelessness to resources, call 2-1-1.
- To request direct outreach for someone experiencing homelessness, contact Mike DeSerio at mike@homewardboundwnc.org or call 828-768-3435. Outreach is typically provided within 24-48 hours.
- See resources below, if you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis:
- If someone is in an active crisis related to mental health but isn’t a danger to themselves or others, call Mobile Crisis at (888) 573-1006 to have behavioral health professionals dispatched. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and is a danger to themselves or others, please call 911. Community Paramedics can be dispatched to respond when you call 911 for a person in criss.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use crisis and is a danger to themselves or others, please call 911.
- If your safety or the safety of someone you know is in jeopardy, please call 911.
- To report a crime that has already occurred, call the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110, submit a report, or submit an anonymous tip.
- To report an encampment or sanitation issue:
- On NCDOT property: please contact NCDOT.
- On City of Asheville/Parks property: report via the Asheville App.
- On private property within City limits:
- If you are not the property owner, contact the owner if you know them. If not, report via the Asheville App.
- Follow this link to complete a trespassing form for your personal property and to learn more about posting signage.
- Please note, this form should not be used to report trespassers. If you require immediate assistance call the APD non-emergency line at 828-252-1110, or if you have an emergency dial 911.
- If you have questions or require assistance with the trespass letter process please contact at apdcommunityengagement@ashevillenc.gov or 828-271-6145.
- Please note, this form should not be used to report trespassers. If you require immediate assistance call the APD non-emergency line at 828-252-1110, or if you have an emergency dial 911.
- If you have questions or require assistance with the trespass letter process please contact at apdcommunityengagement@ashevillenc.gov or 828-271-6145.
Email helpendhomelessness@ashevillenc.gov if you are unsure where to direct your support request.
Frequently asked questions
Visit this page to read an overview of homelessness in Asheville.
The role of local government
The City of Asheville provides funding and administrative support to the region’s network of homeless service providers and other stakeholders, also known as the Continuum of Care (CoC), which currently operates with governance from the Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee (HIAC). The City is not in the business of providing shelter or direct services to people experiencing homelessness; rather, it is the City’s role to support the work of organizations whose mission is to provide those supportive services, which include homelessness prevention, street outreach, emergency shelter, transitional housing, housing navigation, and permanent housing with rental assistance and case management.
If you would like to learn more about the City’s role in supporting the CoC, you will find lots of information on our Homeless Strategy Division page, as well as the project page for Understanding Unsheltered Homelessness, which includes information on the recently-concluded report from the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Additional Resources
Homelessness Resource Guide: Tips for your Business
Quick reference guide to area resources
Comprehensive list of Asheville-Buncombe resources
Meal Sharing Guidelines for Public Property
Contact Information
Stephanie Gilliam, Special Projects Coordinator
City Manager’s Office