"A world of compassion" Jeff's Story |
Jeff and his Case Manager, Cora (left) |
Jeff spent years taking care of himself—first as a kid on the streets of Buffalo, New York, then in the Army repairing tanks, and later as a plumber. He was used to standing on his own. But when his health began to decline and hospital bills piled up, things started to fall apart. Multiple strokes and heart attacks forced Jeff to quit plumbing, and without a steady income, it became harder to keep up with basic needs and maintain his own housing.
“I'm the type of person who helps people. I don't ask for help,” Jeff says. “I’m from the streets where you don't ask for anything. You take what you want and fight to keep what you have. It's pretty simple.”
Fortunately, Jeff contacted Buncombe County Veteran Services and was connected with Homeward Bound’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program and his Case Manager, Cora. Jeff says Cora was “the best thing that ever happened to me...She could train people; she just can’t teach the compassion she has—because she has a world of compassion.”
Though he knew he needed support, it was hard to accept it. He learned early that survival meant relying on yourself. The turning point came through his Case Manager’s patience, consistency, and genuine care.
Today, Jeff lives a peaceful life. He enjoys caring for his home, listening to Black Sabbath, tending to his plants, cooking whatever he wants, and being with his friends. Thanks to the support of Homeward Bound, Jeff has been successfully exited from the program. |
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Community Beyond Resources | | Drawing from 20 years of experience in the homelessness sector, this article by Homeward Bound's CEO, Simon Dwight, explains that while housing is essential, long-term stability depends more on relationships and social integration than shelter alone. Simon presents five principles for building effective pathways out of homelessness, emphasizing that services should act as bridges to community connection rather than destinations, and that addressing invisible social barriers is as crucial as providing practical support. |
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AHOPE is a lifeline for people experiencing homelessness in Buncombe County. It’s often the first door someone walks through on their journey to stability—offering showers, mail service, storage, connection to housing, and most importantly, a place to be seen and supported.
Whether you give, volunteer, or spread the word, your support makes a difference in real people’s lives—right here in our community. |
| Renee has been experiencing homelessness for just over a month. After losing her husband to cancer, she found herself in a dark and emotional place. She says she’s getting through by imagining it’s all just one big camping trip. |
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Update on the North Carolina Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) |
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As of July 1st, HOP is no longer included in either the NC Senate or House budgets. Due to this change in funding, Homeward Bound and all other agencies providing services through HOP have been instructed to pause services. This means that over 13,000 HOP participants in WNC alone will lose access to services.
This potential cut in funding comes despite evidence that HOP improves health, saves money for the healthcare system, and builds rural economies. Impact Health has created the following infographic outlining the accomplishments of HOP in Buncombe County. |
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During July, our Welcome Home team, with the help of volunteers, helped 9 people move into their own homes! |
Veteran client, Todd (left), receiving the keys to his new apartment alongside his Housing Specialist and Case Manager. |
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SAVE THE DATE! Harmonies for Homes
Sunday, October 26, 2025
3 PM - 10 PM at The Grey Eagle 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville |
| Get ready for an incredible afternoon and evening of music that makes a difference!
Our 2025 Fall Benefit Concert is at The Grey Eagle and features eight bands, including Coconut Cake, Las Montanitas, Eleanor and Friends, Rahm Squad, Dr. Funky Squirrel, After Ours, Hype Machine, and King Garbage. This family-friendly event features indoor and outdoor spaces and a silent auction. Tickets available soon at the Grey Eagle. |
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The work reported in KEYnotes was supported by grants from the following organizations: |
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Dogwood Health Trust WellCare of North Carolina First Citizens Bank The Leon Levine Foundation |
| Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Legacy Norfolk Southern |
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You are the KEY to ending homelessness |
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