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Get Help

Homeward Bound uses a Housing First approach, which means we focus on helping people get into permanent housing as quickly as possible, without requirements or barriers.

How can we help?

I am homeless

In need of housing? The process starts at AHOPE, where you will meet with Homeward Bound staff to begin a discussion of the type and urgency of assistance needed. AHOPE’s Day Center 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 11:30 am

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

Unable to visit AHOPE?
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.
Outreach Assistance Request Form

Experiencing housing instability? Please fill out our Library In-Reach Assistance request form.
Library In-Reach Assistance Request Form

Our Outreach staff will follow up with you as soon as possible.

Outreach Staff

  • Trisha Ecklund, Outreach Program Manager
    • (828) 768-2670 | trisha@homewardboundwnc.org
  • Nicole Gibbs, Outreach Case Manager
    • (828) 412-1874 | nicoleg@homewardboundwnc.org
  • Lykin Detritus, Library Outreach Case Manager   

I am at risk of losing my housing

If you are at risk of losing your housing due to rental arrears, please click the link below to apply for rental assistance with Homeward Bound of WNC’s Homeless Prevention Program.

Homelessness Prevention Assessment Form

I am a Veteran in need of housing support

Our Veterans Programs provide 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.

  • Alix Doddridge, Veterans Outreach Program Manager
    (828) 772 – 2847
  • SSVF Outreach Specialist   
    (828) 259-5300

I know of someone who is homeless

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?
Encampment Request Form

Unhoused? Please fill out our Outreach Assistance request form.
Outreach Assistance Request Form

Experiencing housing instability? Please fill out our Library In-Reach Assistance request form.
Library In-Reach Assistance Request Form

Our Outreach staff will follow up with you as soon as possible.

Outreach Staff

I need a shelter for tonight

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 

Homeless Services &

Community Resource Sheet

In addition to the services provided by Homeward Bound, numerous community agencies and faith communities provide resources for everything from food, clothing, and job training to rent and utility assistance, and more.
Download the Homeless Services Resource Sheet

Homeward Bound

Housing Services

Homeward Bound uses a Housing First approach, which means we focus on helping people get into permanent housing as quickly as possible without requirements or barriers. Once housed, individuals can choose the supports that make sense for them. This approach is grounded in strong evidence showing that when people have a safe place to live and control over their own goals, they are better able to find stability and move forward.

Learn More About Our Services
Illustrated Compass

Our services include

  • Homeless Services
  • Permanent Supportive Housing
  • Rapid Rehousing
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families
  • Homelessness Prevention

North Carolina Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Disclosure*