Asheville Struggles with Winter Housing Crisis Following Helene Storm

Asheville Faces Struggles with Winter Housing After Helene

As the winter season creeps in, Asheville is becoming more concerned for those in its community who are without a permanent home in the aftermath of the recent Helene storm. Nonprofits and local volunteer groups are racing against time to bring in temporary shelters to keep individuals warm during the chilly nights. Yet, there’s one hurdle: stricter local permitting rules seem to be complicating the process of providing essential housing solutions.

The Frigid Reality for Many

While the exact number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Western North Carolina remains unclear, the impact of Helene has left many seeking refuge in tents and cars. One of those affected is Renee Autrey, who relocated from Green Mountain to Asheville after the storm, only to find herself sleeping in a tent amidst freezing temperatures. Autrey describes her nights as extremely harsh, stating, “It’s really cold, really, really cold — your hands go numb, you can see your breath.” She recalls how, “Scrounging around in the middle of the night trying to get ready for work; it’s so cold, it’s dangerous.” After reaching out online, she was fortunate to connect with local volunteers who have been eager to help.

A Heartwarming Movement

Two of those volunteers are Danny Wolf and Nicole Griffin, who realized the dire need in the community while assisting with recovery efforts. They established a foundation dedicated to helping those in need, setting up a hot tent and delivering firewood for warmth. Autrey shared her gratitude, saying, “All this is coming from people’s hearts, that’s the real true heroes here.” She now has a wood-burning stove, more space, and an air mattress for comfort. While she feels relief from the harsh cold, she worries about countless others still suffering in the elements.

Challenges with Local Regulations

However, Autrey voices her frustration over the county’s requirement for permits for temporary housing units. “That’s pretty pathetic if you ask me,” she said. “These people need help and you’re going to ask them to get a permit? No, that’s unacceptable.” This sentiment is echoed by others like Wolf, who is not deterred by the red tape. He shares, “Our only stipulation as far as who we will bring a tent to is that you be a human being that’s cold.” Together, Wolf and Griffin have distributed more than 50 hot tents, funded primarily through personal contributions and community donations.

What is the County Doing?

Local officials have been alerted to the complications surrounding temporary housing permits. Matt Cable, a member of the Housing Recovery Task Force, explained that the county made changes to the Emergency Housing Ordinance in November. This allows for certain emergency housing placements like travel trailers to be set up temporarily. However, any dwelling intended for longer-term living still requires proper permitting.

The county is sympathetic to the plight of storm victims and has stated that they prioritize safety and welfare in accordance with state residential codes. As of late November, there were only 19 temporary housing permits granted, revealing the struggle many face in navigating the bureaucratic landscape.

Community Responses

In light of the challenges posed by the permitting system, various other volunteer organizations are stepping up. Devin Taylor has launched “Cabins 4 Christ” to provide insulated tiny buildings to families impacted by the storm. His mission includes delivering nearly 200 structures while ensuring compliance with county guidelines by avoiding the permitting process entirely.

This effort sheds light on the pressing issue of housing for those left vulnerable. “It’s very humbling when I tell people the Lord would choose an old boy like me from southwest Virginia to do something like this,” Taylor shared.

Frustration with Slow Processes

Nevertheless, some organizations such as “Savage Freedom” are voicing their frustrations over bureaucratic delays. Adam Smith, who has been a prominent figure in recovery efforts, believes that the county should change its code enforcement processes to better aid people in need. Citing the emotional toll that homelessness takes on individuals, Smith advocates for expedited solutions aligned with the urgent needs of the community.

A Collaborative Path Forward

As the winter arrives, Asheville is in urgent need of a collaborative approach that addresses both the immediate needs of the vulnerable and the challenges posed by regulations. The call is clear: it’s time for the county and community organizations to find common ground and prioritize the well-being and safety of those without a home during this unforgiving season.