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.

AHOPE: A Place to Start

AHOPE Day Center is where our houseless neighbors are able to meet with Homeward Bound staff to begin a discussion of the type and urgency of assistance needed. At AHOPE, neighbors can use showers, receive mail, make calls, rest, have a cup of coffee, and store personal belongings until housing is established.

Days Inn Demolition Has Begun!

Demolition began a few weeks ago. There was some mold and termite damage found, which is being remediated. We are repurposing much of the hotel furniture. Air conditioners are being repaired and replaced, so they can be used in resident apartments. Light demolition took place in the residential buildings including all carpets being removed. The construction phase should begin soon!

Becoming part of the homelessness solution yields reward

Guest Columnist for The Citizen Times David Bailey writes: “In Asheville, AHOPE, a daytime shelter operated by Homeward Bound, provides these individuals support and services needed every day – that kind word, respite from the weather, and a bit of hope to move them from the streets into housing.”