Asheville Plans 100-Bed Homeless Shelter Using Federal Funds

Asheville group proposes 100-bed homeless shelter with leftover federal funds

An Asheville group is attempting to allocate $3.6 million in leftover COVID-19 relief funds to create shelter spaces for the local homeless population.

Shelter Planning Workgroup Session

A work group in Asheville is aiming to allocate $3.6 million in leftover Federal American Rescue Funds to create shelter spaces for the local homeless population. A shelter planning workgroup session at Haywood Street Church on Wednesday, June 26, focused on one option that would fund a 100-bed low-barrier shelter. The shelter being low-barrier would allow entry for anyone who needed a place to sleep. This means there would be no ID or sobriety requirements for entry and pets would be allowed.

Urgency to Address Homelessness

“There is a sense of urgency with the numbers,” said Rev. Scott Rogers, who serves on the Continuum of Care Committee. “This is a great new collaborative effort.” Rogers mentioned that it has been decades since local homelessness nonprofit leaders were asked to participate in a unified effort to create shelter space and programs to address homelessness countywide.

“There is definitely a great need for more sheltering, more services for unhoused people,” said Evan Richter, who volunteers for AHOPE Day Center in Asheville. Richter expressed the need for additional shelter spaces while attending the work group session to discuss the proposed 100-bed shelter.

Alternative Options for Fund Allocation

Rogers and other leaders involved in the discussion mentioned an alternative option for using the leftover pandemic funds. Three nonprofits have contracts to provide shelter space during the winter months and could potentially expand their bed capacity with the allocated funds. A written plan outlining the chosen approach is due by the end of July for the committee overseeing homeless plans, as Federal funding requirements dictate that American Rescue Funds must be allocated by the end of the year.

Looking Ahead

The proposal for the 100-bed homeless shelter in Asheville represents a significant step towards addressing the pressing issue of homelessness in the community. With the potential to provide a low-barrier entry for individuals in need, this initiative could offer a safe and supportive environment for those experiencing housing insecurity.