Each week, Xpress highlights notable WNC crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd. This week features a new book by travel writer Gary Sizer, local volunteers’ efforts to help winterize Standing Rock’s camps, and an initiative to distribute care packages among homeless individuals.
At its June 14 meeting, City Council approved a conditional zoning request for a 290-unit apartment complex off Long Shoals Road that will displace 55 low-income families from a mobile home park located on part of the project site.
“While some people choose to be homeless and some people choose to manipulate the system, a lot of people are truly stuck in homelessness and need assistance getting out.”
Although chronic homelessness has been curtailed substantially since 2005, the combination of a severe economic downturn, an acute shortage of affordable housing and the rising cost of living has hindered the overall progress in eradicating homelessness. Despite those setbacks, partners in the project are forging ahead with new initiatives to combat housing insecurity and ensure that those in need of shelter get it.
WHAT: Town and Mountain Realty’s fourth annual Home for the Holidays fundraiser WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 20, 5-9:30 p.m. WHERE: The Orange Peel WHY: “Home for the Holidays is a great time for the whole family, with life-size Jenga, cornhole, face painting and a photo booth.” says Joy Lovoy, owner of host organization Town and Mountain […]
“In the spirit of community involvement at all levels which underlines participatory action research, I am putting out the call for volunteers to help with some of these tasks.”
Give!Local raised nearly $1,000 in its opening day and many of the nonprofits raised additional money at the kickoff event. Thirty nonprofits, their boards, two food vendors, three bands, a dinosaur and a ghost pepper all convened along with about 200 people from the public.
Free party at The Orange Peel to celebrate Asheville’s first Give!Local campaign THE MISSION: To raise funds and awareness for 30 worthy local nonprofits that make a big difference where we live. To make giving simple and fun, no matter how small or large the gift. THE METHOD: Offer contributors hundreds of fun and valuable incentives that […]
“Every day, our case managers work to find safe, affordable places for our clients to live. Now, however, we simply cannot find those homes.”
The Asheville Yoga Center this week begins its third season of Yoga in the Park, a series of outdoor yoga classes held in Pack Square Park to benefit two local nonprofits.
Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, with skills ranging from data entry to hair and makeup design. Whatever your interests, talents or passion, there’s likely a nonprofit or community group in WNC that could use your help. To get you started, Xpress has rounded up 10 area groups seeking volunteers for 2015.
Beginning April 19, ActionFest will once again bring the best in world action cinema to Asheville — this time with a monthly ActionFest Film Series, the first of which will benefit Homeward Bound.
While sipping on a glass of wine or grabbing a late night coffee, residents can help fund an organization working to end homelessness locally and stopping people from spending the night in the harsh winter weather. “Every time it is cold and I go into my own house, I think, ‘It is not OK that people in our community are sleeping outside tonight,” says Emily Ball, director of community engagement at Homeward Bound of Asheville.
An April 16 mountainx.com story included photos from the Asheville Homeless Network’s visit to Mayor Bellamy’s office, where they were able to share their views with city staff about homelessness and housing in our community [“Asheville Street People Claim … Harrassment”]. At Homeward Bound, we’re grateful to be part of a community with leadership that’s […]
The Asheville Film Society honors Coach Eddie Biedenbach and the 2011-2012 UNC Asheville Men’s Basketball Team, and presents a benefit screening of the Sundance favorite The Other Dream Team to benefit Homeward Bound — with special guest appearance by the Rocketman.
Local agencies are making progress towards implementing the “10-year Plan to End Homelessness,” but they need more resources and support. That was the theme that emerged from the “2011 Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Summit,” held March 25 at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville.
Photos by Jerry Nelson
