Homeward Bound of WNC, a nonprofit based in Buncombe and Henderson counties, works with others to end the cycle of homelessness. They do this by using the Housing First Model, a national best practice that works to rapidly house people.
All of their programs are designed to move people from homelessness into permanent housing and to provide the relational and practical support they need to stabilize once housed. Since 2006, Homeward Bound has moved more than 1,000 people into housing, and has an 89% retention rate.
On August 11, 2014, Homeward Bound moved its 1,000th person into housing. Kimball Davies’, a 59-year old grandmother was moved into her own home, after living out of her car for the previous eight months. Kendall says, of moving into her home, “I don’t have the words to say how much an impact this had or how much this support helped me get through the process. When I got this home it changed everything for me. It changed my life completely in a better way. It gave me strength and courage and roots”.
“Kimball’s story shows that homelessness can end, with a home and support, sayd Jim Lowder, Homeward Bound’s director of advancement and acting executive director. “Moving 1,000 people into housing is a real accomplishment. But we won’t rest until we end homelessness in Western North Carolina. We have the know-how, we have a plan, and with community support and participation we will ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home.”