"A place where I can be me" Barbara's Story |
Barbara and her Case Manager, Amanda (left) |
Research shows that stable and healthy relationships are not only a source of happiness but also a key determinant of health, resilience, and longevity. That’s why Homeward Bound provides Housing Case Managers—because helping someone transition from a state of crisis to stability is just as important as providing a home.
For Barbara, housing and genuine support have given her the space to heal, find answers to long-held questions, and recover from painful experiences. She credits her stability to several factors: the safety and security of Compass Point Village and a treatment plan with our on-site clinical partner, Appalachian Mountain Health, which finally relieved 10 years of chronic pain.
With stability in housing and health, Barbara has been able to focus on her recovery from substances and the things that bring her peace. She reads, sews, and looks forward to the art groups at Compass Point Village. She cherishes the relationships she has built—with her mother, neighbors, staff, and especially her Case Manager, Amanda. Barbara says she and Amanda “clicked like sisters.”
“She’s been housed at Compass Point Village for almost two years because of her growth," Amanda says. "That in itself is a huge accomplishment. Little or big wins for my clients and watching them grow is why I do this work. This opportunity to hear her story again and be a part of it makes me remember why I enjoy this job in the first place. Barbara is one of my many clients who keeps me motivated and happy to continue doing what I do.” “I’ve learned to stick up for myself and stand up for myself, and let people know what I need,” Barbara says. “I’m glad to have a place where I can be me. I’ve got a little more to go, but I’m on the way, and I’m happier now than I was a couple of years ago. If it wasn’t for Homeward Bound, I don’t know where I would be.” |
|
|
Randy describes himself as a "cowboy and survivor.” He became homeless after Hurricane Frances destroyed his home in 2004, and lost all of his possessions again during Hurricane Helene. Randy grew up in the mountains near Alexander—hunting, fishing, and working on his parents’ farm. He’s been coming to AHOPE for years and loves to chat and connect with people. |
AHOPE is a lifeline for people experiencing homelessness in Buncombe County. Whether you give, volunteer, or share our mission, your support makes a difference in real people’s lives—right here in our community.
|
| |
| 2024 Permanent Supportive Housing Retention Rate |
|
|
|
In 2024 alone, our 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. "We have this retention rate because of our thoughtful and individualized case management services. We're connecting folks to the right services to keep them stable." - Jenny Moffatt, Housing Services Director |
|
|
2025 Asheville Region Housing Need Assessment |
|
|
The newly released 2025 Asheville Region Housing Needs Assessment shows just how urgent the housing crisis is in Western North Carolina. Conducted by Bowen National Research, the study found that our community will need more than 34,000 housing units in the next five years to meet current demand and address affordability challenges.
Today, more than 23,000 households in our region are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend a large portion of their income just to keep a roof overhead. |
| |
|
During August, we moved 19 people into safe and stable housing. This work is possible because of the efforts of our Welcome Home, Housing Placement team, and you -our dedicated partners in preventing and ending homelessness. |
(left to right) Veteran client, William, with his Case Manager, Cora, and Housing Specialist, Val, in his new home. |
|
|
Our Housing Placement team works with over 127 private landlords across Buncombe County. |
|
|
Our Welcome Home Donation Center is in urgent need of the following items: |
- Twin-size and full bed sheets
- Twin-size and full mattress covers
- Small dressers, coffee tables, loveseats, and other furniture
- Razors, deodorant, and other hygiene items
- Ground coffee
- Ponchos, rain coats, windbreakers, and other rain gear
|
|
|
| Tickets are now available! Harmonies for Homes
Sunday, October 26, 2025 3 PM - 10 PM at The Grey Eagle
185 Clingman Ave Asheville, NC 28801 |
All ticket and silent auction proceeds go toward Homeward Bound! Bands include: Coconut Cake, Las Montañitas, Eleanor and Friends, Rahm Squad, Dr. Funky Squirrel, After Ours, Hype Machine, and King Garbage.
Silent auction items include gifts from: Hot Yoga Asheville, Asheville Symphony, Asheville Music Hall, Harvest Records, Cultivated Cocktails Distillery, Asheville Racquet Club, and more. |
|
| Sunny Point Cafe Partnership |
In October, every meal at Sunny Point Café in West Asheville comes with a chance to help prevent and end homelessness. Throughout the entire month of October, donation envelopes for Homeward Bound will be on every table—making it easy to support our work. As a bonus, Sunny Point Café is matching 20% of all donations, up to $1,000!
Click here to learn more about Sunny Point Café. |
| |
|
| Grapple for Good: Absolute Open Fundraising Tournament |
Open Source Jiu-Jitsu is hosting a Jiu-Jitsu tournament on October 25, 2025, to benefit Homeward Bound! This is the 6th time Open Source has hosted this event to help fund our mission. Click to learn more! |
|
|
You are the KEY to ending homelessness |
|
|
Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}* |
| |
|
You are being sent this email because you are a subscriber.
If you wish to update your Email Preferences or Unsubscribe, click *{{Unsubscribe}}* |
|
|
|
