Uncertainty is a fact of life at nonprofits, especially with regard to funding. But local organizations are increasingly attuned to another uncertainty: how to prepare for the consequences that climate change will have on their work.
WNC primary elections 2022 live coverage
Watch this space for the latest 2022 primary election results for Western North Carolina and commentary from the Mountain Xpress news team. The post will be updated regularly throughout the evening.
Mental health nonprofit sees funding lag
For the uninsured and underinsured, local mental health nonprofits are filling the gap, but they struggle with funding.
Buncombe’s unsheltered homeless population doubles in a year
Buncombe County’s latest Point-In-Time count — meant to record every resident sleeping on the streets, at a shelter or in transitional housing on a single night — found 232 unsheltered residents in January 2022, up from the 116 people counted a year before. Overall homelessness in the county increased by about 21% over the same period.
Food nonprofits fight to meet increased need
Since COVID-19 emerged in early 2020, local nonprofits dedicated to meeting the needs of food insecure citizens have been engaged in what feels like an endless game of Whac-A-Mole, no sooner subduing one obstacle before another rears its menacing head.
What’s new in food: Mehfil serves northern Indian cuisine to downtown diners
So radical is the transformation of the storefront building at 5 Biltmore Ave. — revealed on April 7 as Mehfil — that even people who frequently traverse downtown’s main artery may need a reminder of what was there. “It was Hana Japanese Hibachi and Sushi,” says Al Singh, owner of the new Indian restaurant with […]
From CPP: Asheville council will be asked to approve list of nonprofits to receive millions in ARPA funds
The city used a scoring system to winnow the field of applicants, but at least one council member questions the fairness of that approach.
Community paramedics introduce medication-assisted treatment for opioid use
Buncombe County EMS has a new tool for helping an individual suffering from an opioid overdose: medication-assisted treatment, or MAT.
From CPP: New domestic violence shelter gets boost from ARPA funds
Jackson County, home to Western Carolina University, has no domestic violence shelter, but efforts to combine federal dollars and other funding are working to change that.
Wellness roundup: Acupuncture clinic opens
South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness, a clinic founded by Autum Kirgan, licensed acupuncturist, opened in February.
NC-11 Republican candidates debate sans Cawthorn
The elephant has long symbolized the Republican Party. And at Rockin’ The Red, the GOP’s April 11 primary debate for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, there was indeed an elephant in the room: Rep. Madison Cawthorn’s absence.
Syringe disposal units are a ‘balancing act’
In September 2018, Malaprops Bookstore/Cafe placed its first needle disposal boxes in its bathrooms. “We were finding needles in the bathroom on the floor,” explains lead bookseller Justin Souther. Sometimes, people would open the top of the toilet tank and hide used needles inside, he says.
What’s new in food: Jamaican specialties arrive at the Asheville Mall food court
Pan Island opens at Asheville Mall’s food court. Plus: Vegan Peruvian food pop-up; Easter chocolates; and more!
How local health care workers are tackling burnout
Seeking mental health support can be stigmatized in the culture at large. But for health care providers, the stigma associated with experiencing a mood disorder or feeling overwhelmed can be even more pronounced.
District attorney candidates address CIBO
Security, crime and justice took center stage during a Council of Independent Business Owners breakfast April 1. The Asheville-based trade group’s meeting served as a forum for the three Democratic Buncombe County district attorney candidates: current DA Todd Williams, prosecutor and former Assistant DA Doug Edwards and assistant public defender Courtney Booth. (Attorney Joe Bowman […]
No violations of local nondiscrimination ordinances found so far
The number of complaints filed under nondiscrimination ordinances with city and county governments has yet to top 25, and it appears that no one has been found in violation of the rules so far. According to public records obtained by Xpress, Asheville had received five complaints as of January, and Buncombe County had gotten 17 as of early March.
From CPP: ARPA funds helping Buncombe nonprofits recover from pandemic
Eighteen nonprofits aiding mountain residents with services like housing, diapers, food, the arts, education and advocacy receiving more than $13.9 million of Buncombe County’s ARPA funding.
Youth-focused nonprofits prioritize equity in new efforts
Read to Succeed, OpenDoors of Asheville and Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC have all begun to focus more intentionally on closing race-based opportunity gaps in recent years.
Local teens find their passions while giving back
Delaney Burke, who directs youth operations for the YMCA in Western North Carolina, says she notices that adolescent volunteers get as much out of their service as do the younger kids with whom they work. “They take leadership roles,” she says. “And when they see themselves as leaders, they become more confident.”
Buncombe to weigh affordable housing goals March 15
According to a presentation available before the meeting of Tuesday, March 15, the county hopes to “impact 2,800-3,150 affordable housing units by 2030,” including 1,500-1,850 new rental units affordable for households making 80% or less of the area median income ($42,100 for an individual or $60,100 for a family of four).
125 Afghan evacuees resettled in Buncombe County
Over 125 Afghans who were evacuated by the United States amid the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan this summer now call Buncombe County home. It’s been a long journey. On Aug. 29, President Joe Biden directed the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate the resettlement as part of Operation Allies Welcome. While housed at military bases […]