Hurricane Helene continues to cast a long shadow over Buncombe County, where the homeless population has risen significantly. According to recent data, 130 residents remain without permanent shelter due to the hurricane, contributing to a 9% increase in the county’s homeless numbers, now totaling 824 individuals.
The Point-in-Time Count, an annual survey mandated by HUD, revealed these findings. This survey relies on volunteers to gather information about those residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or unconventional environments like vehicles and tents. The latest count, conducted on February 10, indicates that 334 individuals are currently living on the streets, while the rest find temporary refuge in shelters or transitional housing.
The survey results were unveiled during a recent meeting of the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care. Attendees noted that housing damage and income loss were primary drivers of homelessness post-Hurricane Helene. The North Carolina Housing Coalition’s 2026 report highlights the extensive impact of the hurricane, which damaged 11,488 homes and destroyed 372 in Buncombe County alone. Additionally, the county experienced a surge in unemployment to 10.4% immediately following the disaster, though this figure has since stabilized to the state average of approximately 3% as of December 2025.
Community Covenant Church in South Asheville has created an RV village that currently houses 43 families displaced by Helene, offering a temporary solution for those with school-age children.
Despite the rising number of homeless individuals, which increased from 739 to 824 over the past two years, Continuum of Care Board Member Jerry Kimbro remains optimistic, stating at the meeting, “we have a plan.” He emphasized, “Did we fix it or not? Well, no, of course we didn’t fix it. That’s not the right question,” instead focusing on the need to build an effective system to address the ongoing challenges.
In response to the growing crisis, local authorities have expanded emergency shelter capacities, adding 85 new beds across various facilities. This includes 37 beds at Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry’s Safe Haven and 50 beds through Safe Shelter. These beds are available during Code Purple nights, when temperatures drop to 32 degrees or below, posing a risk of hypothermia.
In a promising development, Buncombe County was selected as one of 10 pilot communities for the national Right at Home initiative. Starting in September, this program will inject $5 million into local efforts to prevent homelessness. Additionally, the Continuum of Care has released a three-year strategic plan aimed at enhancing the region’s housing infrastructure and crisis response mechanisms. The plan outlines several goals:
- Construct more shelters, including a low-barrier emergency facility, and optimize current shelter usage.
- Expand programs to prevent homelessness and expedite rehousing efforts.
- Facilitate quicker transitions into permanent housing.
- Improve system coordination and standardization.
To explore the full details of the 2026 Point-in-Time Count, click here.
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