10/16/2026
This isnāt a political post. Itās a community conversation.
As someone who has spent time working directly with people in need, Iāve learned that homelessness is complicated. There isnāt one solution, and we canāt expect one organization to solve it alone.
Recently, Asheville approved a $6 million, three-year Right at Home pilot aimed at preventing homelessness by helping people at risk of losing their housing. Thatās an important investment in prevention, and Iām encouraged to see efforts focused on keeping people housed before they reach a crisis.
But we also need to ask: How do we connect prevention with solutions for people who are already experiencing homelessness? How do we better address mental health, substance use, access to treatment, employment, public safety, and pathways to permanent housing?
We need a coordinated plan that helps people move toward stability while protecting the safety and quality of life of our entire community. Prevention is essential, but so are outreach, intervention, treatment, accountability, and long-term solutions.
With Ashevilleās future in mind, here are some ideas Iād love to see our community explore together.
