2023 Welcome Home Luncheon

Welcome Home Luncheon 2023 Full Program Video

Keynote Speaker Kathy Izard, award-winning author and speaker who helped bring transformation to homelessness, housing and mental health in Charlotte, NC. Kathy shares stories of how she successfully demonstrated the Housing First approach to homelessness, leading to Charlotte’s first permanent supportive housing (PSH) – Moore Place – for more than 100 chronically homeless men and women. She also assisted with SECU The Rise on Claxton, a hotel conversion PSH residence for more than 80 chronically homeless individuals after which Homeward Bound’s Compass Point Village is modeled.

Melissa Duong, VP and Public Relations & Community Development Manager at First Horizon Bank, asks Welcome Home Luncheon attendees to partner with Homeward Bound by giving to the annual campaign, which funds essential programs like rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, and Homeward Bound’s AHOPE Day Center. Melissa also shares her family’s experience with homelessness, reminding us that homelessness can impact anyone, including ourselves. She challenges others to become part of the solution to ending homelessness in Asheville.