Author: Homeward Bound
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!
Mothers & Homelessness Interview with Eleanor Ashton
Learn more about Homeward Bound’s HomeTrust Bank Open Your Heart for Women & Homelessness Luncheon taking place on March 11 at Trinity Episcopal Church by listening to an interview with Homeward Bound Senior Resource Development Officer, Eleanor Ashton. The Interview, conducted by Jordan Coppinger with 98.1 the River, covers important research about mothers experiencing homelessness and provides details about this year’s event.
Homeward Bound Advocates for Shelter Options for Folks Awaiting Permanent Housing
Homeward Bound’s mission is to prevent and end homelessness through permanent housing and support. To that end, we work with individuals experiencing homelessness and meet them where they are. We assist them in any way we can to make their lives more stable, safe, and secure while waiting for permanent housing. We maintain that campers should not be moved without alternative locations for them to move to.
Safe and reasonable options include short term use of hotel rooms pending conversion to additional permanent housing (although this is an expensive option which will ultimately reduce monies available for permanent housing, the only real solution for ending homelessness), a low barrier shelter, and sanctioned outdoor space with basic amenities such as toilets, water, showers, and sanitation. An intentional focus on organization, safety, predictability, and a cooperative mindset will help reduce violence and disruptive behaviors. Additionally, homeless service providers can offer needed resources and basic services to make hotel, shelter or camp sites more stable.
We are committed to working with our local government, non-profit partners, and other community groups to find solutions as quickly as possible. If you are interested in helping with your resources, time or energy, please contact Homeward Bound at info@homewardboundwnc.org
2 Awards for National Philanthropy Day
2021 National Philanthropy Day will be held virtually on Nov. 17. The purpose of this day is to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy, those people who are active in the philanthropic community, and the impact philanthropy has on our society. The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and all that it has made possible. NPD celebrates the endless daily contributions individuals and organizations across the world make to countless causes and missions.
Homeward Bound was involved in two awards – Senior Resource Development Director Eleanor Ashton was named Outstanding Professional Fundraising Executive in recognition of her 20 plus years of successful nonprofit fundraising leadership, her professional integrity, and her dedication to the profession of philanthropy. Homeward Bound’s nominee Prestige Subaru earned the Outstanding Business in Philanthropy award in recognition of their philanthropic support and community service. Prestige has supported charities whose missions include providing shelter, housing, food, education, and environmental sustainability. Homeward Bound has been a recipient of Subaru’s Share the Love event for the past three years and has received over $100,000 which has gone directly ending homelessness for many individuals.
City of Asheville Votes to Help Fund $13.5 Million Home is Key Initiative
The city will help pay for the $13.5 million purchase and conversion of a Days Inn hotel to “permanent supportive housing” for homeless people from around the region to move to and age in place.
That follows a 7-0 July 27 City Council vote to give $2 million to the nonprofit Homeward Bound for the purchase of the former hotel on a nearly 3-acre lot at 201 Tunnel Road. The money will come from $26.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds being distributed by the federal government to Asheville.
Homeward Bound plans to re-purpose hotel to house the homeless
Homeward Bound recently announced its plans to purchase the Days Inn hotel located at 201 Tunnel Road, with the intent to repurpose the hotel into 85 permanent supportive housing units for the community’s most at-need neighbors.
“After years of studying our community need and operating a small permanent supportive housing residence, Homeward Bound has a housing solution that will provide stability, safety, and improved quality of life for 85 of our community’s most vulnerable homeless neighbors,” Switzer said in a statement. “We are calling it ‘Home is Key.’”
Click here to read a Citizen’s Times article about the project.