Get help
Continue to read more about Homeward Bound’s Homeless and Housing Services
Get Help
If you are experiencing homelessness in WNC, we can help.
Our AHOPE Day Center assists those experiencing homelessness in Buncombe County. We offer showers, phones for local calls, storage, a mailing address, and a safe place for all people. All housing assistance begins here as well. AHOPE is located at 19 N. Ann Street in downtown Asheville. It is open Monday through Friday, from 8 AM until 3 PM. On Wednesdays we close at 11:30 AM. All housing applications must be completed in person. Learn more about AHOPE Day Center.
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing homelessness or about to become homeless, for help please go directly to AHOPE. Our staff will talk to you about housing and other resources that may be available for you.
Homeward Bound helps people who are homeless move into permanent housing in Buncombe County. We also have a 12-bed shelter-to-housing program for women in Buncombe County called Room in the Inn. We work with people who are literally homeless––meaning that they’re staying in a shelter, car, campsite, or another location not fit for human habitation.
As a participating agency of NC HMIS, we use data privacy practices. You can see the details here: Privacy Notice NC HMIS – 4.13.16
Homeless and Housing Services
Our Housing First approach means that we move each person into permanent housing as quickly as possible, without any prerequisites. Our Homeless Services offer help and hope to people living without housing support while they wait to get into permanent housing.
Read more below about our Path Outreach, Room in the Inn, Veterans Housing Services Program, and Housing Programs. Participation in all of our housing services and Room in the Inn start with a visit to AHOPE. If you’re experiencing homelessness, you can get help.
Path Outreach
Path Outreach
PATH Outreach
The PATH Outreach team reaches the most vulnerable homeless individuals living on the streets of our community to connect them with permanent supportive housing, healthcare, disability income, and community mental health services. We meet people where they are: in the woods, under bridges, or on the street. The team identifies individuals for services through a variety of means, including street outreach, referrals from partners within law enforcement and local hospitals, as well as community referrals. Learn more about the PATH Outreach program.
- Do you know of a homeless camp or someone in need of the outreach team services? Send in a referral for services here.
Room in the Inn
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Room in the Inn
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Room in the Inn
The Room in the Inn program is our shelter-to-housing option for 12 women who for a variety of reasons can’t stay at a shelter. We partner with 60 faith communities who take turns hosting the women for a week, providing all of their meals, shelter, and evening activities. This gives women who aren’t a good fit for a shelter environment a safe place to sleep each night while waiting to get into permanent housing. To be considered for The Room in the Inn, please go to our Day Center to be evaluated for entry. Get Help for those experiencing homelessness in WNC. Learn more about Room in the Inn
Veterans Housing Services Program
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Veterans Housing Services Program
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Veterans Housing Services Program
Our Veterans Housing Services Program includes both Rapid Re-Housing and Homeless Prevention services. Both use Housing First model to provide short-term financial support and case management to individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness and those experiencing literal homelessness in Buncombe County. The program’s temporary financial assistance pays rent and utility arrears, short-term rental and/or utility assistance and can also provide move-in cost assistance in cases where a client loses their current housing. The program offers resources and services tailored to the unique needs of each person or family. Learn more about Veterans Housing Services Program
Housing Services
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Housing Services
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Housing Services
We use the Housing First approach to get each person into permanent housing as quickly as possible, without any prerequisites. We offer financial assistance to move people out of homelessness and into apartments and trailers, and the right level of case management services to keep them in housing. It works. A full 89% of the over 1,950 people we’ve housed remain in permanent housing. Referrals for housing services happen when people experiencing homelessness visit our AHOPE Day Center or through referrals from our community partners.
Here are ways you can help.
Donate
A monthly gift allows you to spread the financial impact of your giving across the entire year, lessening a one-time drain on your resources. Also, recurring gifts help Homeward Bound as we can more accurately predict income in advance, which helps with longer range budgeting and decision-making.
Volunteer
Come volunteer with us! We offer service experiences for individuals, faith communities, businesses, and schools and youth groups. Volunteers help us end homelessness in our region by helping provide much-needed services to people transitioning into a home.
Give
Your clean and gently-used household items can help others experience the comforts of home. Your donations go directly to women, men, and children moving into new homes or are used at our Day Center. Donation receipts are available upon request.
The Homeward Bound community includes caring staff, volunteers, board members, and people experiencing or moving out of homelessness. We believe that housing is a human right and use the “Housing First” national best practice to end homelessness. We care about the most vulnerable among us and work every day to help them improve their lives. Join us!