News Summary
Asheville is set to conduct its annual Point-in-Time count on January 28 and 29 amid rising homelessness due to Hurricane Helene. The city’s shelters have expanded and will count individuals impacted directly by the storm. Healthcare needs, especially for mental health, are escalating as community efforts ramp up to address the challenges faced by unhoused individuals.
Asheville Gears Up for Increased Homelessness Count Post Hurricane Helene
Asheville is bracing itself for an important and urgent event happening soon in the community. The city, alongside Buncombe County, is set to conduct its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count on the evenings of January 28 and 29. This essential survey is designed to collect data on the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in the local area, and this year’s count is anticipated to show a significant uptick.
Hurricane Helene’s Tangible Impact
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has left a profound mark on Asheville. Many residents are now without permanent shelter, pushing them into transitional housing situations or hotel accommodations. As a result, this year’s homeless census will also include people currently residing in hotels. Additionally, those participating in the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance program will be counted in the same group.
To make the survey more effective, the officials are adding supplemental questions. These inquiries will specifically address whether individuals’ current state of homelessness is a direct result of the hurricane’s impact, giving valuable insights into the ongoing struggles within the community.
Funding and Resources
The federal government, through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), mandates this census to help local communities access necessary funding for homelessness initiatives. This year, the count will occur at dusk on January 28 and throughout the daytime on January 29, ensuring all those in need are accounted for.
In response to Hurricane Helene, Asheville has taken significant steps to accommodate those requiring immediate shelter. The city has opened four additional shelters to help meet the rising demand for housing in the aftermath of the storm. The rental market continues to be tight in Asheville, as housing prices remain among the highest in North Carolina, intensifying the issue of homelessness.
Addressing Healthcare Needs
Healthcare concerns following the storm have also surged. Access to mental health and substance abuse treatment remains a major hurdle in Asheville, but health providers are stepping up their efforts. The mobile medical unit from Appalachian Mountain Health is adapting its services to meet the increased demand for medical care, addressing urgent needs for medication, especially for those reliant on Suboxone, heart medications, and insulin.
There’s an apparent increase in the need for anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications, marking a worrying trend as more people grapple with the aftermath of the flooding. The closure of public libraries in Buncombe County has limited restroom access for the unhoused, leading to the Asheville Poverty Initiative stepping in to provide portable toilets and handwashing stations to improve sanitation facilities for those in need.
Feeling the Long-Term Effects
Amidst all these immediate challenges, concerns are growing about the long-term implications for those who are newly experiencing homelessness due to the storm. The uncertainty surrounding their shelter options is particularly distressing. In these difficult times, the city has initiated emergency measures, like implementing a “Code Purple” during extreme weather, which aims to increase shelter capacity at crucial times.
Public safety staff and local service providers are closely engaging with unhoused individuals, ensuring they are informed about available shelter options and resources. The Asheville Homeless Coalition is taking the lead in coordinating efforts to manage the increased number of unhoused individuals stemming from Hurricane Helene’s impact.
A Community in Action
It’s evident that Asheville is coming together in response to the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, focusing on support and care for its residents facing homelessness. As the PIT count draws closer, it’s a reminder of the resilience of the Asheville community and the importance of collective action in difficult times. Let’s hope for a successful count and meaningful support for those who need it the most.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Asheville’s Post-Hurricane Struggles: A City on the Mend
Asheville Implements Code Purple for Homeless Shelter
Asheville Weather Forecast: Warm Days Ahead!
Asheville Prepares for PIT Count Amid Homelessness Surge
Asheville Residents Invited to Discuss City Development Changes
Asheville Implements Code Purple Emergency Shelters
Buncombe County Activates Code Purple Amid Cold Snap
Asheville Implements Code Purple for Emergency Shelter
Buncombe County Schools Face Significant Budget Cuts
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville and Buncombe County See Spike in Homeless Population Post Hurricane Helene
- The Assembly NC: Unhouse Asheville – Shelter Hurricane Helene
- WLOS: Asheville Releases 2024 Point-in-Time Homeless Count
- Charlotte Observer: Weather News and Updates
- WLOS: Asheville Activates Code Purple for Homeless Winter
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Google Search: Homelessness in Asheville
