News Summary
Asheville is facing an alarming rise in homelessness, attributed largely to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The recent 2025 Point-in-Time count revealed that 35% of the unsheltered population lost their homes due to the hurricane. Local organizations and volunteers continue to work towards understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the homeless community in Asheville. The information gathered from this count will be vital in shaping housing policies and recovery efforts in the coming years.
Asheville Faces Growing Homelessness Crisis Linked to Hurricane Helene
Asheville, a city known for its vibrant arts scene and beautiful vistas, is grappling with a concerning increase in homelessness as revealed by the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) count. The results of this critical survey were shared on March 26 during the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care’s membership meeting, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals without stable housing.
Every two years, local communities participate in the PIT count, mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to capture a snapshot of homelessness in the area. This year’s count took place on January 28, making it a chilly winter night for the committed 135 volunteers who took to the streets. Among these volunteers, 60 were members of the Continuum of Care, all rallying to gather essential data on their fellow community members.
Volunteers were strategically positioned throughout the city in 27 neighborhoods known for high concentrations of individuals experiencing homelessness. It’s important to note that, for someone to be considered homeless in the count, they must be living outdoors, in a shelter, or in transitional housing. Unfortunately, this means that those who couch-surf, reside in basements, or are incarcerated aren’t included in the numbers.
The data gathered was eye-opening. Among the unsheltered individuals counted, a significant 35% reported they lost their homes due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This natural disaster clearly left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting how extreme weather events can ripple out, creating long-term challenges for local residents.
In total, 755 homeless individuals were counted—a number that reflects an increase of 16 from the previous year. More troubling is the startling 50% rise in the number of unsheltered individuals, bringing that total up to 328. While the figures paint a concerning picture, there is a possible explanation: the Veterans Restoration Quarters, a facility that had provided shelter for 142 individuals, experienced flooding due to rising waters along the Swannanoa River, forcing occupants to be relocated during reconstruction.
The data collected from the PIT count did not just stop at numbers; it also included insights from participants on their experiences. When asked what the community should understand about homelessness, many expressed the need for housing and jobs, emphasizing that not all individuals experiencing homelessness have substance abuse issues. Responses like these highlight the multifaceted nature of homelessness and the varied circumstances that lead people to lose their homes.
The count also highlighted specific needs among participants, with 97 reporting serious mental illnesses, 70 citing substance addictions, 8 living with AIDS, and 58 having experienced domestic abuse. These figures underscore the diverse backgrounds and struggles of individuals facing homelessness, painting a fuller picture of the challenges that lie ahead for advocates and policymakers.
As the city moves forward, data from the PIT count will be instrumental in shaping local housing plans and policies. Organizations like the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care are tasked with overseeing this valuable information, managing homelessness services, and applying for federal funding to support recovery efforts. With over 400 Continuums of Care nationwide, the need for targeted assistance and community understanding is pivotal.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is also providing support through its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which aided 1,548 individuals on the night of January 28. This partnership reflects the collaborative effort needed to address the growing homelessness crisis in Asheville and similar communities.
As Asheville continues to face these challenges, it will take concerted effort from local leaders, community members, and organizations to shift the tide. Through awareness, action, and compassion, there is hope that the future will bring better housing solutions and support for those in need. Together, we can work towards a city where everyone has a safe place to call home.
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Additional Resources
- TribPapers: Unsheltered Homelessness Increases
- WYFF4: Asheville Homeless Count
- WLOS: Asheville-Buncombe County Homeless Population Spike
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Google Search: Asheville homelessness
