Key Update from Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee

Asheville, NC – A significant development has emerged from the Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee (HIAC). In a recent meeting, the committee voted unanimously to recommend to the Asheville City Council to dissolve the HIAC. Their objective is to amalgamate community efforts on homelessness through the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care.

Established by the City Council in November 2008, HIAC has functioned as both an advisory committee to the City of Asheville and Buncombe County and a governance board for the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care (CoC).

Moving towards a Reshaped Continuum of Care

Drawing from the key recommendation of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the HIAC has spearheaded and supported a restructuring of the Continuum of Care over the previous year. The revamp has resulted in a newly formed membership body of stakeholders who have adopted a brand new governing charter and elected a refreshed governance board.

Current and past members of the HIAC are now serving on the new CoC Board, participating in CoC committees and workgroups, actively contributing to the efforts to combat homelessness.

Looking Ahead: HIAC’s Dissolution and CoC’s Role

The recommendation for HIAC’s dissolution will be further discussed by City Council’s Boards and Commissions Committee at their meeting scheduled for October 8, 2024. It will then pass for consideration at the City Council’s meeting on November 12, 2024. Consequently, no additional HIAC meetings are slated for the foreseeable future.

As we move into this new phase, the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care encourages the community’s continued engagement and participation in efforts to address homelessness. The robust new approach steered by the CoC seeks to improve stakeholder engagement and ensure a collective commitment to end homelessness.

Consolidating Efforts and Streamlining Policies to Address Homelessness

This step towards consolidation is integral to streamlining initiatives and empowering the CoC to centralize and effectively drive policies and efforts aimed at mitigating homelessness. Greater cohesion of effort under the CoC’s umbrella will allow for streamlined strategies and foster a comprehensive, collaborative approach to solving homelessness in Asheville and Buncombe County.

The decision to dissolve the HIAC has the potential to create a shift in how homelessness is addressed within the community. Restructuring strategies and consolidating efforts could better address the diverse needs of homeless individuals and families, ultimately leading to more sustainable solutions.

Acknowledging the Efforts of the HIAC

The city acknowledges the excellent work done by the Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee over the years. Their dedication has provided a significant foundation upon which the new Continuum of Care can build and create more inclusive, efficient strategies to address homelessness.

While the HIAC will cease to exist, the commitment to ending homelessness in the county remains steadfast. The Continuum of Care, with its new governing board and diverse stakeholder body, is poised to navigate this challenge and drive strategies towards a future where every citizen has access to safe and secure housing.