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Asheville AFD REST team reports expanded winter coverage and falls-short staffing concerns
Summary
The Asheville Fire Department's REST (Resource Engagement Support) team told the Public Safety Committee it provided 24-hour coverage during Winter Storm Fern, completed roughly 907 homeless-response interventions last year, and reduced business/neighborhood reports, but council members cautioned the eight-person team is stretched thin as services expand.
The Asheville City Public Safety Committee heard a quarterly information briefing from the Asheville Fire Department's REST (Resource Engagement Support) team on Jan. 29, 2026. REST program manager Hillary Jones outlined how residents and businesses reach the team (the Asheville app, APD nonemergency dispatch, or 911 when appropriate) and described proactive outreach that connects people experiencing homelessness with services.
Jones said REST provided 24-hour coverage during Winter Storm Fern, partnering…
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