West Asheville, North Carolina, homeless shelter seeks zoning approval for permanent operation and expansion

Safe Shelter, a partnership of three Asheville churches and the nonprofit Counterflow LLC, is seeking zoning approval to operate permanently and expand its capacity on Haywood Road. The shelter currently operates under a temporary use permit in the former educational building of Trinity United Methodist Church. The City’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval on August 6, and the Asheville City Council is set to consider the request on August 26. If approved, the shelter would still need to complete building and zoning reviews before it can operate long-term.

The proposed expansion would allow for up to 35 beds, focusing on families and individuals facing barriers at other facilities. Advocates argue that the additional capacity would alleviate pressure on the city’s emergency housing network. Jessie Figueroa, director of resource development for Homeward Bound of WNC, noted that 35 beds would make a meaningful difference in a community where 328 people experienced homelessness last year.

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) chief operating officer Brandon Wilson emphasized the financial and social benefits of providing stable housing. He cited the National Alliance to End Homelessness, which estimates the average annual cost to taxpayers for supporting someone experiencing homelessness at $36,000. Wilson said that stabilizing individuals and moving them off the streets saves public resources and supports long-term community well-being.

ABCCM’s Transformation Village currently has more than 50 people on its waitlist, highlighting the ongoing need for expanded shelter capacity. Safe Shelter’s expansion could help address this demand and provide a critical step toward housing stability for vulnerable neighbors.

The shelter’s mission aligns with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the poor and needy. As the city moves forward with the zoning request, the community’s response will reflect its commitment to justice, mercy, and the dignity of every person.

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