ABCCM hosts blessing ceremony as Veterans Restoration Quarters rebuilding nears

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) recently held a blessing ceremony for the Veterans Restoration Quarters (VRQ), marking the beginning of its rebuilding efforts after the facility was damaged during Hurricane Helene. The event, held on October 2, 2025, brought together federal and state leaders, community members, and church volunteers for prayer and reflection as ABCCM initiated the first of six phases in the reconstruction process.

The VRQ, a faith-based nonprofit initiative, serves homeless veterans by providing them with a safe and supportive living environment. The facility, which was previously housed in a former East Asheville hotel, has been a vital resource for veterans in need. Anthony Winm, a retired veteran who resided at the VRQ for seven months before the storm, expressed gratitude for the ministry’s commitment to serving those in need.

"It makes me feel great," Winm said. "These people have a golden heart to be able to do what they do for us, and it’s a blessing to all of us men." His words reflect the deep sense of community and care that has defined the VRQ’s mission.

Reverend Scott Rogers, executive director of ABCCM, emphasized the spiritual and communal significance of the blessing ceremony. "Even in the face of great loss, we stand firm in our calling to serve one another in the name of Christ," he said. "This blessing is about more than a building. It’s about community, compassion, and the shared belief that every veteran deserves a safe place to call home."

The rebuilding of the VRQ aligns with ABCCM’s broader mission of serving the local community through mercy work and outreach. The organization has long been involved in providing practical support to those in need, including food assistance, disaster response, and housing help. The VRQ project represents a continuation of this commitment, focusing on the specific needs of homeless veterans.

The ceremony also highlighted the importance of collective effort in times of challenge. By uniting faith, community, and resources, ABCCM is demonstrating a model of neighbor-love that reflects the biblical call to care for the vulnerable. As the rebuilding process moves forward, the VRQ stands as a testament to the power of compassion and the enduring hope that comes from serving others.

The project serves as a reminder that even in the aftermath of destruction, there is opportunity for renewal and restoration. Through prayer, partnership, and perseverance, ABCCM continues to embody the spirit of Matthew 25:35, where Jesus calls his followers to serve the least of these. The VRQ’s rebuilding is not just about restoring a building, but about restoring dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging to those who have been overlooked.

Source: Read the original report