Asheville fire department—REST team expands outreach in West Asheville, reports fewer app complaints

The Asheville Fire Department—Resource Engagement Support Team (REST) reported to the Public Safety Committee on Sept. 25 that proactive outreach in West Asheville and downtown has reduced resident complaints submitted through the city—s engagement app and increased direct wellness checks for people experiencing homelessness.

The REST program manager, Hillary Jones, told committee members the team is now operating two outreach vehicles and will add peer-support specialists in October to expand coverage. "We provide proactive outreach 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week," Jones said. She described the team—s role as focused on "people, housing stability, emergency relief and support services."

The update mattered to council members because the REST team is part of broader council priorities on homeless strategies and reimagining public safety, said City Manager Deborah Campbell, who noted council support for the pilot that became the official program.

Jones gave several data points to show early results. Since the team began tracking wellness checks on Aug. 22, REST has recorded 124…