Prioritizing Home

You can help provide a home and personalized support to people like John.

Donations will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000.

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Homeward Bound EIN Number: 56-1568917

Meet John

John is a 38-year-old blue-collar dad who feels like he’s been given a second chance in life. For the past three years, he has been working toward and accomplishing a list of goals that include sobriety, being a better father, and learning to love himself. His story is evidence that permanent housing and support provide the foundation for growth, and that ending homelessness doesn’t just affect the individual but also their family and community. 

John became homeless after struggling with addiction for five years. He was incarcerated, and life in prison gave him time to reflect that his children were more important to him than anything. Once released, John began visiting our AHOPE Day Center. He desperately needed a fresh start but faced significant barriers to housing and employment because of his record.   

“I didn’t want to be homeless on the streets,” says John. “I told AHOPE, ‘Get me out of the streets so I can see my kids, so I can get away from this lifestyle. Just give me a chance.’” 

Watch John’s story in “Prioritizing Home”

John lived at CPV for just over a year

A year and a half later, John received the news that he had been approved to live at Homeward Bound’s Compass Point Village (CPV). Soon, everything began to fall into place. John didn’t have to sleep outside. He had a home he could take pride in, and most importantly, this was the stepping stone he needed to focus on his goals. Thanks to a family member, John found a full-time job building manufactured homes. 

John has now graduated from CPV. In September, we moved him into a new townhome where his two sons have their own room. The three of them spend every weekend together, and John says there is no happier feeling than watching them at their baseball games. 

“I’ve got all kinds of goals that I’ve reached,” says John. “I see my kids every weekend. I’ve been sober for two years. I’ve been working my butt off. My credit score is through the roof. I mean, I did it. It took a lot of hard work and determination, but I never gave up. And I’m not going to.” 

In 2024 alone, Homeward Bound’s Permanent Supportive Housing programs had a 96.5% retention rate of individuals not returning to homelessness and taking steps to rebuild their lives as neighbors in our community.  

“Once people get into houses, they can start focusing on what they need to focus on. It’s just one thing after another. First is the house, then the job, then whatever else comes after that. People have different goals, but I noticed that once you get housing, it’s easier to reach your goals. Everything else is like a puzzle after that; it just fits in perfectly. I’m living proof of it. If it wasn’t for Compass Point Village, my puzzle pieces would still be scattered.” – John

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John in front of door - house number removed
John outside his home

Together, we can end homelessness

When asking a neighbor experiencing homelessness about their hopes and dreams, they will tell you about their survival needs. It’s impossible to start thinking about your future until you have a safe place to call home.

Since 2006, Homeward Bound has helped move 2,708 individuals into safe, stable housing by prioritizing home. John feels confident he’ll be able to graduate the Permanent Supportive Housing program in the near future, so that someone else can take his spot. Click here to read John’s full story.

Now, more than ever, we need people to stand up and work together to end homelessness alongside us. Don’t give up, don’t lose faith. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift this holiday season to partner with us to better our community through people like John. 

Make a Gift to Homeward Bound

Warmly, 

Dr. Simon Dwight

Chief Executive Officer

Homeward Bound of WNC

P.S. Thanks to the generosity of other community members who share our passion for providing stability and support, donations will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000.