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Libraries, behavioral health and community paramedics highlighted as housing-stability supports
Summary
Library and behavioral-health staff told the county committee that on-site casework at libraries, community paramedicine and recovery-housing investments are critical parts of the county’s approach to housing stability.
County and partner staff told the committee that non‑housing services—library-based social work, behavioral-health outreach, community paramedicine and recovery housing—play an important role in preventing homelessness and supporting people into stable housing.
Jason Hyatt, representing Buncombe County Library services, described two library initiatives that support people facing housing instability: a full-time library safety associate position (a county staff hire intended to replace uniform contracted security with a plainclothes staff member who can build relationships) and a part-time Homeward Bound case manager funded by the library budget. Hyatt said that the plainclothes safety associate model reduced conduct incidents and increased staff comfort; the position is vacant at the moment and actively being recruited.
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