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Mayor recap: local outreach groups coordinate with city; Cove walk-in shelter to operate Nov. 1–March 31
Summary
City Presenter outlined collaborative services for people experiencing homelessness, including outreach by The Haven, Blue Ridge Health, Love and Respect, and Sharing House; The Cove's walk-in shelter will operate daily from Nov. 1 through March 31 and a reentry counselor now covers Transylvania County.
At the meet-the-mayor recap, the Presenter reviewed how the city coordinates with local nonprofit partners to assist people experiencing homelessness and described recent changes in shelter staffing and services.
The Presenter said The Haven, Blue Ridge Health, and Love and Respect jointly provide an immediate community outreach-on-call team that city staff contact when they first notice an encampment or unhoused individuals. That outreach team conducts initial contact, identifies needs, and coordinates assistance, including case management to help people enter the continuum of care. The Presenter added, “This is the start of getting folks entry into the continuum of care.”
The Presenter said the CAVN currently has beds available but acknowledged not everyone chooses long-term shelter. The Cove recently hired a new executive director, and its walk-in shelter will operate seven days a week from Nov. 1 through March 31. Sharing House offers showers and food assistance and plans to build a new empowerment center, with a capital campaign to fund it expected to launch soon. Love and Respect has added a counselor dedicated to Transylvania County who provides reentry assistance for people released from jail.
The Presenter emphasized that these collaborative actions aim to move people from outreach to shelter and then into supportive or transitional housing, but that the city cannot force individuals to accept help. The Presenter also asked residents to report disruptive or illegal activity to police so officers can witness behavior and respond.
