Dear community,
Homeward Bound of WNC is honored to share our 2025 Impact Report, updates on a new source of funding for housing services, and highlights on Code Purple at the AHOPE Day Center. This year, we served more people than ever before. Thank you for supporting our mission to prevent and end homelessness in our community through permanent housing and support. Warmly, Homeward Bound of WNC |
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"I'm proud of you." Jenna's story |
Transitioning from incarceration to the community is riddled with barriers. A prior conviction can severely limit or cut off a person’s access to employment, civic rights, loans, public benefits, and, of course, housing.
In fact, a 2024 study found that 1 in 4 people who were released from North Carolina prisons were released into unsheltered homelessness — not to temporary housing, a shelter, or a treatment program — but right onto the streets. 64-year-old Jenna knows this experience all too well.
Jenna’s story highlights both the barriers women leaving incarceration face and the stability that becomes possible when housing and support are within reach. Regardless of someone’s past, Homeward Bound meets people where they are. |
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We're happy to announce that Homeward Bound has received $425,555 from Vaya Health to support 20 participants who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness due to justice system involvement or displacement from Hurricane Helene.
This funding will provide rental assistance and supportive services, as well as support one new full-time Housing Stability Case Manager and a portion of our existing Housing Placement Manager role. The program, which is limited to Vaya Health members, is set to operate from March 2, 2026, through June 30, 2027. |
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Our Code Purple participation continues to be successful and has been so crucial during dangerous weather conditions. Code Purple has been called 69 nights since we were able to open on November 26.
As of today, we have served 133 unique individuals and 18 pets. All of our pet guests had been dogs up until the last two weeks of January, when we welcomed a cat and a guinea pig! The need in January for emergency winter shelter was so high that the Code Purple committee opened an additional Code Purple overflow location on Church Street in Asheville.
Code Purple will continue to be available when called through April 30, 2026. More info about Code Purple in Buncombe can be found here. |
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Volunteer Opportunities at AHOPE |
Interested in volunteering at the AHOPE Day Center? Below are a few current volunteer opportunities for both day and Code Purple services. |
- Kitchen volunteer (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays)
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Hospitality desk volunteer (Monday - Friday)
- Mailroom volunteer (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
- Administrative volunteer (details pending)
- Sewing volunteers: Our Homeless Services team is looking for neighbors who like to sew to help mend client clothing at AHOPE and during Code Purple. Interested volunteers can sign up using the form below.
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January & February Move-ins from Homelessness |
Our Rapid Rehousing team helped India (left) move into a new home after she lost her housing during Hurricane Helene. |
- During January and February, our Welcome Home team moved 18 people out of homelessness and into their own homes!
- 7 community donation drives thanks to Bone & Broth, Edward Jones Investments in Weaverville, Odyssey School, Creekside Community in Weaverville, Asheville Montessori School, Riverstone Apartments, and Howard Hanna Beverly Hanks in Biltmore Park. Thank you for helping create homes!
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Open Your Heart to Women and Homelessness |
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Thank you to everyone who supported Homeward Bound's Open Your Heart to Women and Homelessness campaign. Whether you donated funds, sent an e-card to a loved one, or participated in our Q&A series, your engagement demonstrates that our community cares about and advocates for women experiencing homelessness.
Didn't have a chance to read Tana's story? Click the link here. |
| Tana (right) and her Case Manager, Amanda |
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Homeward Bound and WellCare of North Carolina staff at last year's awards. |
We were honored to be awarded in November 2025 as a WellCare Community Hero. This event brought together representatives from non-profits across WellCare’s Region and allowed Homeward Bound to share the story of our programming, mission, and impact. |
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Artbeat Live! Tonight! Thursday, March 26th | 6 pm - 8 pm Artbeat Gallery & Lounge, 56 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801 |
Join us at Artbeat Gallery & Lounge for an exclusive Thursday night experience — live painting, great drinks, inspiring vibes, and a mission to give back to Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina. Watch artist Elliott From create original works in real time while you sip wine, beer, or your favorite drink, savor light hors d'oeuvres, and mingle in the cozy studio-lounge atmosphere.
60% of proceeds from all artwork sold during this event will be donated directly to Homeward Bound.
Get your tickets here!
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| | 14th Annual Welcome Home Luncheon Thursday, April 23, 2026 12 pm - 1 pm A-B Tech/Mission Conference Center 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801 |
You're invited to Homeward Bound's premier event to inspire, inform, and raise funds to prevent and end homelessness in our community. This year's luncheon includes keynote speaker Jeff Olivet and the future look of our organization.
Register for the event here! |
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| Birdies for Better May 6-10, 2026
Quail Hollow Club Charlotte, NC 28210 USA |
We are excited to announce that Homeward Bound of WNC is an official partner of the 2026 Birdies for Better Truist Championship!
With a $20 donation, anyone can guess how many birdies will be made during the tournament’s competitive rounds. Participants who guess the exact number—or come closest—can win exciting prizes, including a one-year Audi Q5 lease, $10,000 cash, or other VIP experiences. Best of all, 100% of your donation will be donated back to Homeward Bound of WNC.
More info can be found here. |
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| Mosaic Realty Art Walk & Benefit May 7, 2026, 5 pm - 8 pm
Asheville, NC |
Homeward Bound is honored to be a part of the 2026 Art Walk & Benefit hosted by Mosaic Realty. This free event takes place across 11 downtown Asheville galleries and creative spaces. This year, Lexington Glassworks has chosen Homeward Bound as its featured nonprofit!
More info can be found here. |
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You are the KEY to ending homelessness. |
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The work reported in KEYnotes was supported by grants from the following organization(s): |
Walnut Cove Members Association The Leon Levine Foundation Dogwood Health Trust Publix Super Markets Charities |
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