This month, we're sharing the story of Kimala, a purple-loving grandmother who returned to her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina after spending several years in Alaska. But her return was marked by numerous difficulties which hampered her ability to find stable housing.

She moved to Alaska in 2020, driven there by grief after losing both her husband and daughter within the span of a few years. On her return, she soon found herself in an abusive relationship, with her communications, finances, and movements tightly controlled by her partner.

After separating from her partner, she struggled to find a place to live. Her disabilities limited her income and mobility, and the rental prices in Asheville proved too demanding. But then she heard about Homeward Bound. After making contact with our Homelessness Prevention program, thing started to turn around.

Now she is living in a home of her own, along with her two dogs, a cat, and a chicken coop in her yard. And best of all, it's right next door to her daughter's family, so she can see them every day.

"You guys saved me and gave me a peaceful place to live and be stress-free... I’m able to save. I got a good start, a cushion. Y’all gave me a soft landing.” - Kimala

Introducing Give Smarter, an 8-week podcast limited series on Charitable Giving featuring Pai Charasika & Larry Gatz, CFP of Copperwood Financial, and Jessie Figueroa and Abby Nelson from Homeward Bound of WNC.

This series explores ways to maximize your charitable giving. We are grateful to Copperwood Financial for sponsoring and collaborating on this project.

Episodes release every Friday, with the final episode releasing September 4.

Check it out on the Podcasts page on our website.

The Asheville Poverty Initiative organized a resource festival this month, where organizations from around Asheville could connect and provide support to the community. At this event Homeward Bound distributed backpacks containing water bottles and hygiene supplies. We also provided support and guidance to dozens of neighbors who dropped by. Props to the Asheville Poverty Initiative for putting this together!

In the same week, P.F. Changs hosted Give Back Night, in which 10% of all sales were contributed to Homeward Bound. We have so much appreciation for the community partners that support our mission!

Homeward Bound's booth at the Resource Festival

P.F. Chang's Give Back Night

Volunteers from Biltmore United Methodist's Church and Love Memorial Baptist Church hosted a cookout for the residents at Compass Point Village. The Love Memorial folks came all the way from Goldsboro, North Carolina.

It was a great time for residents, staff, and even some visitors from the neighborhood.

A huge thanks to the amazing volunteers who made this possible!

Thanks to your support, our team helped eight households move into safe, stable, and permanent housing during the month of July.

We also had some notable donation events.

We're so grateful for The Biltmore Estate, who donated 130 full size mattresses! We could not have done this without the hands-on support from the Asheville Youth Mission. The Cliffs at Walnut Cove community also hosted a Give Back day, and neighbors contributed a truck load of amazing items as they did some summer cleaning of their homes.

Asheville Youth Mission loading mattresses from the Biltmore Estate

Move-In Day

Mattresses from the Biltmore Estate

A donation of food from the Whole Foods on Tunnel Road

Our Welcome Home Donation Center is in need of household items, furniture, window AC units, fans and hygiene supplies. All donations will go straight into new homes for people who are exiting or avoiding homelessness. 

Community members can drop off items at any time using our donation bins. You can also call or email our team to schedule a pickup. 

All donated items are tax-deductible! 

For the entire month of August, all sales at River Arts District Brewing will come with the opportunity to round up to the nearest dollar, with the added amount donated to Homeward Bound. They are also hosting a variety of fun events throughout the month, such as weekly trivia nights, open mic comedy, and musical guests. If you're looking for an easy and convenient way to support our mission, consider visiting RAD Brewing!

When & Where: August 2026, ALL MONTH | 13 Mystery St, Asheville, NC 28801

Starring the funk rock band Empire Strikes Brass, this event will also feature a silent auction, and a homecoming king and queen (voted on by the audience).

All proceeds benefit Homeward Bound. If you like live music and a retro homecoming vibe, follow us on Facebook or Instagram to be notified when tickets become available!

When & Where: Sunday, October 18, 2026 | Pisgah Brewing Company | 2948 US-70, Black Mountain, NC 28711

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