Construction on new Asheville veterans campus to begin nearly 2 years after Helene

Construction on a new campus for Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry’s (ABCCM) Veterans Restoration Quarters is set to begin on August 13, nearly two years after the 2024 Helene storm flooded the previous facility. The groundbreaking marks a significant step in restoring services for veterans in Western North Carolina, many of whom have faced homelessness and instability since the disaster. The new site, located along Tunnel Road, will replace the campus that was submerged by nearly 8 feet of floodwater, forcing ABCCM to temporarily relocate veterans to a nearby hotel.
ABCCM Chief Operating Officer Brandon Wilson emphasized the urgent need for housing and support, noting that over 700 veterans are homeless on any given night, according to the Point-in-Time count. The organization has long provided transitional housing, stability, and care for veterans, but the destruction of their campus disrupted these efforts. Before the flood, ABCCM was spending $180,000 a month to house veterans at a temporary location, a financial burden that has now been alleviated by the planned rebuild.
The new campus will feature 250 transitional beds, 65 emergency shelter beds, and 134 affordable housing units, all clustered within a few blocks of each other. This design aims to create a cohesive community where veterans can access multiple services without traveling long distances. Wilson described the project as the first phase of a $22 million initiative, which will expand beyond housing to include workforce development and education programs. These classes will offer secondary education and certification opportunities, empowering veterans to gain skills and secure employment.
The expansion reflects ABCCM’s commitment to holistic care, aligning with the biblical call to love one’s neighbor as oneself. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” The new campus will provide not only shelter but also the tools and support needed for veterans to rebuild their lives.
The project also underscores the importance of community partnership and resilience. By investing in a permanent facility, ABCCM is addressing the long-term needs of veterans who have been disproportionately affected by the storm. The organization’s efforts align with the principle in Galatians 6:10, which encourages believers to “do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
As construction begins, the focus remains on restoring dignity and hope for those who have faced hardship. The new campus will serve as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring call to care for the vulnerable. Through this initiative, ABCCM continues to embody the spirit of mercy and compassion, offering a place of refuge and opportunity for veterans in need.

Source: Read the original report