In need of housing? The process starts at the AHOPE Day Center, where you will meet with Homeward Bound staff to begin a discussion of the type and urgency of assistance needed. AHOPE also provides showers, mail receipt, phone service, and a place to rest, have a cup of coffee, and store personal belongings until housing is established.  

AHOPE Day Center

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Wednesday | 8:00 am to 11:00 am

19 North Ann Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
(828) 252-8883

Unable to visit AHOPE? Street Outreach Services

Our Outreach services are designed for unhoused individuals within Buncombe County who cannot regularly access AHOPE or other service agencies due to barriers such as transportation, bus line access, mental health, trust, etc.

• Unhoused? Please fill out our Outreach Assistance request form. Our Outreach staff will follow up with you as soon as possible. Outreach Assistance Request Form. 

Outreach Staff

Trisha Ecklund, Outreach Program Manager

(828) 768-2670 | trisha@homewardboundwnc.org

Nicole Gibbs, Outreach Case Manager

(828) 412-1874 | nicoleg@homewardboundwnc.org

Zac Forsythe, Outreach Case Manager

(828) – 708 – 3305

If you were impacted by Hurricane Helene and live in Buncombe County, Homeward Bound of WNC may be able to help with financial assistance and short term case management.

Homelessness Prevention Assessment Form

Homeward Bound’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program offers short-term financial support and case management to individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness and to those already experiencing homelessness in Buncombe County.

Please contact our SSVF Outreach team to get started:

• Alix Doddridge, Supportive Services for Veteran Families Outreach Program Manager
  (828) 772 – 2847
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families Outreach Specialist   
  (828) 259-5300

Our Outreach services are designed for unhoused individuals within Buncombe County who cannot regularly access AHOPE or other service agencies due to barriers such as transportation, bus line access, mental health, trust, etc.

• Do you know of an encampment where people could use support and resources? Use our Encampment Request Form below. Encampment Request Form

• Unhoused? Please fill out our Outreach Assistance request form. Our Outreach staff will follow up with you as soon as possible. Outreach Assistance Request Form

Outreach Staff

Trisha Ecklund, Outreach Program Manager

(828) 768-2670 | trisha@homewardboundwnc.org

Nicole Gibbs, Outreach Case Manager

(828) 412-1874 | nicoleg@homewardboundwnc.org

Zac Forsythe, Outreach Case Manager

(828) – 708 – 3305

Homeward Bound currently provides Code Purple shelter at the AHOPE Day Center. Code Purple is called when temperatures are forecasted at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below and continues through April 30, 2026.

Code Purple and Winter Shelters 2025 -2026

Please see the following list for other shelters in Asheville, NC.

• Western North Carolina Rescue Mission (WNCRM) 225 Patton Ave. Asheville, NC 28801
  • Emergency Shelter for Men, Women and Children
  • In person in-takes only Monday-Thursday
  • Men- 9am-11am
  • Women- 11am-1pm 
  • (828) 254-0471

• Salvation Army 204 Haywood St. Asheville, NC 28801
  • Emergency Shelter for Men, Women and Children
  • Call or walk-in to get on waitlist
  •  828-253-4723

• ABCCM Transformation Village 30 Olin Hvn Wy Asheville, NC 28806
  • Transitional living program for Women and Children
  • Need to call every Tuesday to get on and stay on waitlist 
  • 828-398-6920 

• Counterflow Safe Shelter 
  • Prioritizing families w/minor children and welcoming BIPOC and LGBTQ+ 
  • By Referral Only 

• Helpmate (Domestic Violence) 
  • (828) 254-0516