Homeward Bound: Ending Homelessness in WNC

Homelessness is a complex issue that affects everyone in a community. Chronically homeless individuals, especially, face significant challenges and rely heavily on public services. Studies show these costs can reach $30,000 to $50,000 per person annually. In contrast, the estimated cost of Permanent Supportive Housing is less than $14,000 per individual per year, as much as 70% less than what it costs for this vulnerable population to live on the streets.

Housing First: A Proven Approach

Homeward Bound, a local non-profit founded in 1988, addresses this issue using the evidence-based ‘Housing First’ approach. As Resource Development Director Jessie Figueroa explains, “Housing First prioritizes getting people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing quickly, without barriers or mandates like sobriety requirements. Supportive services then help them maintain stability and avoid returning to homelessness. This approach has been shown to outperform traditional methods in reducing homelessness.”

Figueroa adds, “Having a roof overhead isn’t just about shelter; it’s a foundation for a better life. Stable housing is linked to improvements in physical and mental health, reduced substance use, and increased employment.”

Helping a Broad Spectrum of People

Homeward Bound recognizes that homelessness can strike anyone due to various circumstances. They focus on reaching diverse at-risk populations in Buncombe County. Their goals include:

• Identifying individuals at risk of homelessness
• Intervening to prevent homelessness before individuals enter the services system
• Matching individuals with programs and services based on their specific needs

The AHOPE Program: A Launchpad

How does Homeward Bound achieve such remarkable results? Almost everyone experiencing homelessness in Buncombe County enters through their program, AHOPE. This day center serves as a launchpad, with case managers guiding individuals towards permanent housing while also offering a wealth of information and connections to vital community resources.

• AHOPE serves as a “front door” to housing services, connecting individuals to permanent or rapid re-housing options, while also diverting some from homelessness by finding alternative housing solutions with family or friends.
• The Day Center offers essential services like showers, mail, phone access, clothing items, rest areas, and coffee, along with storage for belongings until housing is secured.
• From July 2022 – December 2023, AHOPE’s Day Center served over 1,400 individuals, diverted 690 from homelessness, conducted vulnerability assessments, and provided countless essentials.

Outreach: Reaching Those in Need

• Homeward Bound’s Outreach team actively connects with individuals experiencing homelessness on the streets, in cars, under bridges, and at campsites. They connect them to medical, mental health, substance abuse treatment, permanent housing resources, emergency shelters, and basic needs services. From July 2022 – December 2023, their Outreach team has served over 265 individuals living on the streets, in cars, under bridges, and in tents across Buncombe County.

Beyond Housing: Supportive Services

Homeward Bound’s mission extends beyond simply placing individuals in apartments. They provide ongoing support to help people stay housed. As these stats from 2022 – 2023 show, their success speaks for itself:

• More than 2,615 individuals housed since 2006
• Ended homeless for 210 people, including 80 veterans
• 690 individuals (including 509 veterans) prevented from experiencing homelessness
• Transformed 176 housing units into homes with more than $200,000 of furnishings donated by the community.
• Partnered with 90 landlords across Buncombe County, arranging 140 leases that provided stable housing.

Finding the Right Housing Fit

Homeward Bound offers two primary housing programs based on individual needs:

• Permanent Supportive Housing: This program provides safe, stable homes with long-term, intensive case management for highly vulnerable, chronically homeless individuals. It’s ideal for people who have experienced homelessness for a year or more and struggle with one or more disabling conditions.
• Rapid Re-Housing: This program offers short-term rental assistance and case management for up to two years. It targets individuals who can quickly obtain housing, increase self-sufficiency, and maintain long-term stability. This program has no preconditions (employment, income, etc.) and tailors resources to individual needs.