Hundreds of new shelter beds, housing units planned as part of $30M ABCCM expansion
– The view out the playroom windows, overtop plastic play kitchens, colorful bean bags and stray dolls, is of an empty, expansive field. Demarcated by a black chain link fence, it is the remaining, and majority, acreage of Transformation Village’s 24-acre campus.
– The existing building provides 100 transitional housing beds to women and children experiencing homelessness in Buncombe, Asheville and surrounding counties. The planned expansion is slated to bring 128 more beds in a new 64-unit building. It’s one piece of $30 million in shelter and housing expansions planned across the next two years.
– ABCCM, or Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, is a faith-based nonprofit supported by a network of local churches. It focuses on veterans, women and children and runs three shelters: Transformation Village, the Veterans Restoration Quarters and Costello House.
Expansions and Projects
– Transformation Village provides transitional housing to women and children coming directly from the streets. Transitional housing is considered a temporary housing intervention partnered with supportive services to assist the transition to permanent housing. Stays are no longer than 24 months.
– Besides the new building, ABCCM plans a 38-unit permanent supportive housing apartment building, the first of four they hope to build on the property. Alongside expansions at Transformation Village, 96 more units of permanent supportive housing are in the works for the Veterans Restoration Quarters.
– In front of Transformation Village, 36 emergency shelter beds are also planned. Currently, emergency shelter is mostly limited to Code Purple, which triggers when temperatures drop below freezing.
– ABCCM aims to be the largest shelter provider in the area once these expansions are completed. The organization’s efforts are part of a larger plan supported by the community and various funders.
Stories from the Frontline
– Brittany Bell, a Resident Assistant at Transformation Village, shares her experience and personal journey of overcoming homelessness. Martin, another staff member, expresses excitement about ongoing developments to address the housing crisis in the region.
– The average success rate of people who complete ABCCM programs and don’t reenter homelessness is significant. Graduates find housing through various channels, including support from local churches and property managers.
Impact and Support
– Byas, a resident at Transformation Village, shares her aspirations for stable housing and employment. She highlights the challenges of the local housing market and her journey towards stability and sobriety.
– Access to education and support groups at the village has been instrumental in Byas’s progress, showcasing the holistic approach taken by ABCCM to address homelessness.
Support and Volunteers
– ABCCM relies heavily on volunteers to support its operations. Martin, from a local organization, emphasizes the role of community support in assisting veterans and residents in need.
– The organization’s volunteer-run model, paired with professional staff and onsite resources, creates a supportive environment for individuals seeking shelter and assistance.
Focus on Veterans
– Veteran care is a significant focus for ABCCM, with specific programs and housing interventions tailored to meet the needs of homeless veterans in the area.
– Recent initiatives, such as grant applications and partnerships with local agencies, demonstrate a commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans experiencing homelessness.
Future Prospects
– Ongoing partnerships with government and health agencies will further expand recovery programs and support the transition to permanent housing for residents. Leveraging initial grants and commitments will allow ABCCM to secure additional funding for future projects.
