The Generosity of Publix

ABCCM was blessed on Friday, December 1st with a generous donation of $20,000 from Publix Super Markets Charities.  This gift was specifically given to support our efforts to feed those in need in the Asheville area, and we could not be more grateful.  Executive Director, Reverend Scott Rogers, was on site to accept the donation with gratitude from John Rozier, one of the Publix Super Market at Pinnacle Point’s store managers, whose store is located at 1830 Hendersonville Rd. Asheville, NC 28803.

Publix Community Giving “supports organizations that focus on youth, education, reducing hunger, and alleviating homelessness.”  As an organization they truly value community involvement, and this gift to feed those in need in our area is a testament to their commitment to that end.  Through ABCCM’s crisis centers, we have given out groceries to those in need 6,000 times from the start of the year through December 6th.  Publix’s donation will play a vital role in assisting our crisis ministries as they add to the number of groceries and meals provided to those in need during the holiday season and new year.

Aaron Schnurbusch, Assistant Director of the ABCCM Main Crisis Ministry, spoke about the importance of corporate contributions like Publix’s.  He explained that, “It is so vital for corporate contributions to be made because we need the income to fill in the gaps.  We go out and work hard to bring in groceries for people in need, while being mindful that it doesn’t go to waste.  Inevitably, though, over the course of a year there will be a little bit missing here or there.  We’ll need a little money to fill in that gap to make sure we fulfill the need.  Corporate financial contributions are also important because it allows us to pay for equipment and other crucial intangible items like electricity.”

Thank you Publix Super Markets Charities for your donation to not only provide food for the needy, but also for adding overall value to the work that our crisis ministries are doing. 

Leaving Legacies

Over the past two months ABCCM has had the privilege of naming two of its facility rooms in honor of some incredible contributors and supporters of our ministries.  The Liz Rothlein Training Center at the Steadfast House and the Lloyd Weinberg Sound Room at the Veterans Restoration Quarters are our new additions.

This November Steadfast House was blessed to receive a $50,000 gift from Ash Rothlein in honor of his late wife, Liz Rothlein.  With this gift Steadfast House has been able to create the Liz Rothlein Training Center where we will be able to continue working to move women from homelessness to self-sufficiency.  This gift will support training and curriculum surrounding trauma-informed care and resiliency.  It will also support scholarships to help the women of Steadfast House gain living-wage employment through education and certification programs.   

Lloyd Weinberg was a US Navy veteran who had a passion for assisting his fellow veterans.  For over 3 years, Lloyd dedicated his time to volunteering at the Veterans Restoration Quarters.  He taught a weekly class there on the history of jazz where he would show videos and bring in live acts to demonstrate his lessons.  It was the most well attended class ever offered at the shelter.  He also taught basic computer skills at the computer center, and helped the men write resumes and apply for jobs and colleges.

Not only did Lloyd dedicate vast amounts of his time, but he also made monetary and in-kind donations.  He made many donations of clothes, televisions, speakers, and other helpful items.  The contribution that he and his family have made to the Veterans Restoration Quarters has assisted so many veterans in such a meaningful and positive way. Lloyd and his endearing generosity and spirit will be tremendously missed.  Due to his contributions in these ways, we have named the sound room in his honor as the Lloyd Weinberg Sound Room.

We at ABCCM mourn the loss of these two incredible people, but rejoice at the legacy that both of them have left.  Their generosity and love will leave a mark on all who are blessed by the opportunities given them through the Liz Rothlein Training Center and the Lloyd Weinberg Sound Room.

The Amazing Holiday Gift

Steadfast House Veteran residents were blessed with an amazing gift this holiday season.  Ladies from the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society treated our Veterans to a night of laughter, entertainment, and a lot of Jesus at their Christmas Gala. 

One church from this society, led by Carla Tyrance, brought evening gowns and shoes for our ladies to not only wear for the evening, but to keep.  Carla and her team then treated all of our participating residents to glamor makeovers including hair and nails. Finally, Steadfast residents were escorted as honored guests to the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society area wide Christmas Gala. 

Our Veteran residents who attended the gala told Volunteer Coordinator, Heather Cerda, that they felt loved, accepted, and just part of the group.  Every woman returned to Steadfast House with a big smile and a full heart.

Reverend Scott Rogers was also invited to attend the Gala, and had a great evening seeing Steadfast House residents interact with this loving group of women.  It was a great evening all around!

An added bonus was that Ms. Carla introduced Mrs. Iris Battle, the Society’s Missionary Supervisor, to Steadfast House’s Angela Cantania, Program Director and Heather Cerda, Volunteer Coordinator.  They were able to discuss future ways that the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society can continue to support our efforts to support the ladies and good work of Steadfast House. All of our staff and residents are excited to be partnering with such a giving, loving group.  We look forward to what God has in store for this new relationship. 

Our Christmas Journey of the Heart

This Christmas, we all journey toward a deeper understanding of God’s Love.  The Scriptures are full of examples of God providing love, such as when He appeared on the mountain top with thunder and lightning; how He fed the Israelites with manna and quail; how His Shekinah Glory filled the temple; how He led with a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.  But, we experience the genius of God’s Love in the Christmas story. 

As we take the Christmas ‘journey of our hearts’ to Bethlehem, we discover something new about ourselves, and about how we choose to reflect His Love.  When we look at a newborn in the manger, or allow ourselves to stop and reflect on how God Loves us through that image – the sounds, smells and feelings around an infant in a manger – then we find our deeper journey, our response, and how we choose to reflect His Love.

Last weekend we heard from so many that it is not Christmas until they, “Go to Bethlehem and see the baby,” (i.e. Return to Bethlehem hosted by Groce UMC).  It is still one of the best representations of how His Love was expressed in the birth of His Son.  Sure, we were all surprised by snow and disappointed to lose two days of crowds, but we were also surprised on Sunday when the sanctuary filled up over and over with those eager to make this  “journey of the heart” by deliberately setting aside time to re-engage in the, “Old, Old Story…”

The question Jesus asked is one of the most powerful, “When did we see you…thirsty, hungry, naked, imprisoned, and sick or a stranger? And…when you did – you did it to me.”  The world wants us to respond, react, and to just express that Love with some thing, some item.  Jesus, instead, wants us to react and respond to His Love that is unconditional and full of His Grace.  He inspires us to embrace Him through meeting one another’s real need.  When we respond to His Love by loving one another, then we continue His journey to bring, “good news and peace on earth.” 

As you read the other stories in this newsletter about God’s Love, I hope you will share them during your Christmas celebrations with your family or friends.  Tell these miracle stories of courage and compassion, of restored lives, and of others embracing their neighbors.

Merry Christmas to all our friends!  Great thanks, as well, to every congregation, volunteer, and business who expresses their gratitude and compassion for their neighbors in their own respective traditions.  This truly helps us all know how much God Loves us, and invites us to Love one another.

Reverend Scott Rogers

Executive Director

RETURN TO BETHLEHEM WILL RESUME SUNDAY, December 10th!

Please come out and witness the Christmas story that came true.  We will have Return to Bethlehem today, December 10th.  We hope and pray to see you at Groce United Methodist Church from 2-6pm. 

RETURN TO BETHLEHEM CANCELED FOR SATURDAY, December 9th

Your safety is our number one concern, so due to the weather, Return To Bethlehem will be canceled today, Saturday December 9th. We will try again tomorrow.  We appreciate all of you who have volunteered to help with the show. We pray that you are safe and warm.  God bless you! 

Winter Wear Drive

The Ox Creek Community Center will be accepting coats, jackets, hats, gloves for both children and adults.  We are grateful for their support!

Benefit Concert

Diaper Drive

Erwin Senior Honors Veterans

Erwin High School senior, Isaiah Carver, sponsored a car show on Veterans Day, November 11th from 9-12 at Erwin High School to honor Veterans. Registration was $15 per car and $5 for pedestrian attendees. All proceeds were donated to Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry’s (ABCCM) Veterans Restoration Quarters (VRQ).

Carver is fulfilling the requirements of his senior project with this event. His project premise was to prove that it is good for high school seniors to be required to volunteer in the community. Isaiah’s project included spending time with a mentor, researching and writing an eight page thesis and participating in a practical experience to prove his premise.

Isaiah, who has been volunteering at the VRQ says, “Volunteering gives you a sense of responsibility and humility, and you learn what others have gone through.” For ten years young Carver has been volunteering on cook teams at the VRQ. “Because of a sports injury I can’t serve my country in the armed forces. This is how I give back––honoring those who have served for me.”

At the VRQ, individuals, families, and groups from churches, and businesses are welcomed to volunteer. Those serving in the kitchen to prepare and serve meals, are barbers/beauticians or part of other work teams. They are teachers and facilitators, receptionists, data entry clerks, entertainers, and chaplains that listen and offer guidance. “Volunteers are the backbone of our organization,” says Reverend Scott Rogers, Executive Director of ABCCM. “Isaiah not only reflects the heart of Christ, but also reflects what it means to be in the body of Christ. Like all our volunteers, Isaiah is using his passion and talents and transforming them into compassion and honor to meet critical needs for our Veterans.”

ABCCM’s Veterans Restoration Quarters offers a comprehensive residential program that addresses every area of restoration in the life of homeless veterans with a goal of restoring personal dignity, faith and strength. In a safe and stable environment, each resident is offered the opportunity to participate in life skill development and educational and training opportunities leading to sustainable employment and housing.

Isaiah Carver was first drawn to volunteering at the VRQ when he was eight. He was invited by a friend to join his family’s cook team. Isaiah has continued to serve on the cook team of Newfound Baptist Church where he is a member. “My grandfather and cousin served in the armed forces, and I have a cousin who died in Iraq. They are why I’m a volunteer at the VRQ. Its important for me to give back,” says Isaiah.

Isaiah’s inspiration for the car show came from his frequent outings with his father. “We go to car shows in Charlotte and most of the local ones. I thought it would be fun to hold a car show on Veteran’s Day to honor our Vets.”

On Thursday, November 16th Isaiah presented ABCCM with $1,200 to benefit the veterans at the VRQ.  Reverend Scott Rogers, Executive Director of ABCCM was proud to receive the gift ."Isaiah is a remarkable young man with a big heart," says Reverend Rogers. "We all thank Isaiah for his service and gift to support our veterans."

The Art of Kneeling

The First United Methodist Church in Eden, N.C. has passed its 100th birthday, and is congregated in a beautiful structure built in 1939 by a vibrant and large group of community oriented members. The congregation has aged, and this church faces many future decisions as the group becomes smaller, the building needs preservation, and program management becomes more difficult with the reassignment of the pastor to include two churches. 

This past year my mother became the longest recorded member of this church (who is still living). We speak of her church and the changes weekly because she is concerned. We also talk about the intricacy of the stained glass windows, the long aisles with an overlooking balcony and a beautiful oak altar that is handcrafted to encompass the entire width of the church sanctuary. This altar is the place of baptisms, communions, marriages and funerals, but its main purpose has been for all the occasions that prompted kneeling.  The altar was open at every service for those who wanted to profess their faith, bring a concern for prayer, or for those who fought their battles on their knees. There was a trust that, in kneeling during times of decision making, a door would open for Godly guidance and counsel.  Many times, the minister would leave the pulpit to go and kneel in a prayer for listening and understanding. We were taught that our prayers were not for seeking confirmation, but for a promise of direction and a way to sort out good advice from bad advice while on our knees.  

There are so many decisions in our daily practice at the clinic. This clinic at ABCCM grew out of a community “hope” and has been hard at work in 2017 taking care of patients and paying attention to the changes in healthcare on local and national levels. The Medical Ministry has continued to be a partner in our Community Safety Net and the North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. Our volunteers have fostered a program of medical practice that welcomes our patients like they are family and considers each patient individually as decisions about their healthcare are made. 

Our volunteer family lost a member this year in the passing of Dr. Stewart Altman who provided in-office surgical services to the clinic patients. Dr. Altman came to the clinic after he unexpectedly relocated to Buncombe County. He had been on a vacation to Asheville when he lost his home to a hurricane in Louisiana and “just decided to stay”.  

In knowing about the clinic and all of the volunteers, it is the hope of the staff that you will continue to include the Medical Ministry as you kneel in prayer: 

• For energy to keep these services thriving and staffed.
• For healing for all of our patients and especially those who have received diagnoses that will change or end their lives. 
• For our volunteers as they care for a group of people who are without funds for medical services.
• For our community leaders as healthcare decisions are made.
• For all of ABCCM’s volunteers who reach out with grace, mercy and lovingkindness every day.

“Is it not to share your food with the hungry
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness[a] will go before you,
    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
    you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” Isaiah 58: 7-9

Poetry and Trauma

As Steadfast House continues to search for new and innovative ways to serve our women, a different kind of class opportunity came our way: Healing through Poetry.

Taught by Mary Ellen Lough, Healing through Poetry allows students to work through trauma with creative writing. According to Mary Ellen, “Poetry allows you your own voice. It allows you to connect the dots between what you think, feel, experience, question, wonder, love, and hate. A poem is a space in which everything belongs. It transforms because it can create beauty from pain. It can help shoulder the weight of what you carry, and allow you to share your story with others, so you don’t have to carry it alone.”

Healing through Poetry is a ten-week course that meets once per week for an hour and a half.  It covers the basics of poetry and teaches mindfulness techniques. In class, students are tasked with writing exercises with varying themes that they are then invited to share.

Darla, a current Steadfast House resident, said that she never had any talent as a writer, but was up for any challenge that leads her to learn about and express herself.  Darla shared, “These writings have allowed me to work through some of these emotions and find some peace within myself. It has given me the realization that I am exactly where I need to be. I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn a new tool to cope and a new avenue for my creativity to flow.”

Healing from trauma can take a multidimensional approach. We are thankful the women of Steadfast House are able to experience such a unique class.

Jasmine's Changed Life

Each week ABCCM’s Jail Ministry volunteers conduct Bible study programs at the Buncombe County Detention Center. These programs are an extension of the local churches in our community. Our volunteers connect with the inmates as they bring a message of hope, forgiveness, and the love of God for each person. That connection extends beyond the county jail. Our volunteers pray for each inmate, not only while they are incarcerated, but after their release.

Chaplains Norm Sanders and Vanessa James meet with inmates individually. They minister to many violent and non-violent offenders as well as inmate families bringing comfort and healing through the message of Jesus Christ. 

Just when you think all hope is lost and nothing is working Jesus shows up through the staff and volunteers of the ABCCM Jail Ministry. That’s just what happened in Jasmine’s life. 

Jasmine grew up in an abusive home. Drug addiction plagued the entire family. Her mother passed away while she was young, and Jasmine’s father spent most of his life in prison. 

Though Jasmine did what she had to do to survive she was trapped in an endless cycle of abuse. By her early 20s, Jasmine had been arrested 15 times and spent time in a state prison and rehab. But nothing changed, and Jasmine lost hope. 

On her last trip to jail, Jasmine attended a Bible study program. As she participated she noticed something different happening inside of her––hope began to grow. As a result, Jasmine gave her life to Jesus and asked Him to heal her broken life.

Jasmine is now a resident at ABCCM’s Steadfast House where she has completed a 90-day rehab program and is earning college credits to improve her career opportunities. Currently Jasmine is employed in the food service industry and is working hard to make changes in her life. Supported by an ABCCM Jail Ministry volunteer Jasmine continues to grow spiritually attending church weekly. Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts I have toward you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”         

A special thanks goes out to Jail Ministry volunteers for their faithfulness to take the good news of Jesus Christ to the inmates at Buncombe County Detention Facility.

#Giving Tuesday

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with friends and family and expressing gratitude for all that God has provided throughout the year. However, in the days following – Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday – it’s easy to lose track of what’s really important during this holiday season. Giving Tuesday is a chance for us to reconnect with our community and share the blessings that we have received this year. 

Giving Tuesday, often stylized as #GivingTuesday for purposes of hashtag activism refers to the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is a movement to create an international day of giving at the beginning of the holiday season. Giving Tuesday was started in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation as a response to commercialization and consumerism in the post-Thanksgiving season.

Remember our neighbors in need this November 28th by visiting abccm.org/donate and giving to any of ABCCM’s vital ministries. Rest assured your dollars will go for a good cause. ABCCM dedicates 95% of every dollar raised for programming that gives hope and healing to fellow community members who need a little help staying warm this winter, seeing a doctor, or rebuilding after a tragedy. Your Giving Tuesday gift will make all the difference in someone’s life this holiday season.

Days of Impact

On October 19th Days of Impact volunteers from Biltmore Farms spruced up the ABCCM Medical Clinic landscape. “It was great,” says Maia Price, Volunteer Coordinator for the Medical Clinic. “We had the pros on site!

Days of Impact are volunteer service events that occur twice each year and are coordinated by Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, the volunteer center of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. The program is a two-day event. 

These opportunities are an outlet for employees of local businesses to volunteer to strengthen Asheville.  By matching participants with service projects focused on education, income, and health, United Way makes our community healthier. Each year hundreds of volunteers from local businesses are coordinated and mobilized to serve across our county.

Biltmore Farms volunteers were the perfect match to meet the ABCCM Medical Clinic needs. About twenty volunteers armed with smiles and yard maintenance equipment arrived early for a fall clean up. 

Biltmore Farms was founded by George Vanderbilt. He had a vision to support local businesses and organizations in order to promote a healthy overall community. Vanderbilt understood the impact this would make for all who live in and visit Asheville. 

Today Biltmore Farms is still committed to the vision of its founder. Their participation in the Hands On Asheville-Buncombe initiative is just one way Biltmore Farms is stepping up to foster a healthy Asheville. 

After mowing, clipping, and pruning at the Medical Clinic it was plain to see that Biltmore Farms is definitely impacting Asheville. The staff, patients and volunteers appreciate the welcoming appearance of the grounds and we send our sincere “Thank You” to Biltmore Farms and United Way.

IRA Charitable Donations

You can maximize the benefits of your charitable giving this year by donating all or a portion of the required minimum distribution from your IRA to a qualified public charity. If you’re 70.5 years of age or older, you may transfer up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to a charity such as ABCCM while meeting your annual distribution requirements. Even if you don’t itemize your deductions on your taxes, you can still receive considerable tax benefits by donating directly from your IRA under current tax law. Please discuss this option with your tax or financial advisor for details.

If you’re not over 70.5 years of age there are still many ways to contribute financially to ABCCM’s mission before the end of the year. Consider the following options––

1. Donating Stock
2. Workplace Giving – Many workplaces offer ways to give, like gift-matching or a giving campaign:
   1. Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #31651)
   2. State Employee Combined Campaign (SECC #1532)
3. Shopping AmazonSmile or Local Businesses – Throughout the year, ABCCM is sponsored by local businesses that donate a portion of their sales to our mission.

Credit or debit card donations can be made online at abccm.org. 

Thank you for helping our neighbors in need! 

Christmas Angels Sponsors Needed

ABCCM’s Christmas Angel Program will be holding enrollment at the four Crisis Ministry locations November 20th – 23rd during each site’s regular hours. Cumberland Crisis Ministry at 24 Cumberland Avenue, South Crisis Ministry at 10 Buck Shoals Rd, and Hominy Valley Crisis Ministry at 1914 Smokey Park Hwy are open M-F from 8:30-4:30. North Samaritan Crisis Ministry at 403 Weaverville Hwy is open M-F from 10:00-2:00. 

Enrollment will be for families with crisis needs––those struggling with enough income for the  basic necessities such as food, housing, clothing, and utilities.  Through the Christmas Angel program ABCCM provides Christmas presents via our four Crisis Ministries, our families at the Steadfast House, and our Veteran families through Supportive Services for Veteran Families.

Parents will apply in person during the three days enrollment from November 20th-23rd to access eligibility. All enrollees will be counseled in person on the day of enrollment or receive a call back to determine eligibility.  

Christmas Angel is also seeking sponsors to make Christmas brighter for families in crisis. You can participate by providing presents for the children in a family, making a donation, bringing in new, unwrapped toys or items, or by being a volunteer. Contact Brad Owen at brad.owen@abccm.org or 828-259-5300 to become a Christmas Angel sponsor or a volunteer.

Classic Car Show

Cars and trucks of all makes and models were on display at the 8th annual Mountain Classic Car Show Saturday, October 21st, from 10 am to 2 pm. The show is held annually at the Veterans Restoration Quarters (VRQ),  1329 Tunnel Road in East Asheville. Along with the VRQ, the event supports Steadfast House, ABCCM’s shelter for women and children. It will also help ABCCM’s Crisis and Medical ministries.

“We had quality cars and everybody had a great time,” smiled Ed Gore, ABCCM Classic Car Show Chairman. “The highlight for me was the awards ceremony. We had custom laser cut trophies that everyone loved and it was very special recognizing and honoring 140 veterans, standing shoulder to shoulder, from all branches of the armed forces.” 

Ed Gore, Volunteer Event Chairman

“Ed Gore has volunteered for eight years to organize the Mountain Classic Car Show in support of our veterans restoration programs,” says  Brad Owen, ABCCM Events Director. “He’s an amazing guy with a big heart.”

Ed laughs when he remembers that the first show had 20 entries. This year over 120 cars filled the parking lot around the VRQ.

The event was open to the public. Spectators and participants enjoyed lunch from Smokey and the Pig BBQ and the fantastic music of  Dashboard Blue. Miles RV Center and Blossman Gas were the lead sponsors for the car show this year.  The silent auction included a painting donated by one of the VRQ resident veterans.

Earl Bradshaw, Event Participant

“I come every year,” said Earl Bradshaw. “These are good people and a good cause.”

“The Mountain Classic Car Show is just an example of how volunteers have fun and leave a lasting impact on our community,” says Brad Owen. “We have lots more opportunities for folks to get involved.” For information about these volunteer opportunities contact Brad at brad.owen@abccm.org or 828-259-5300.

VRQ Resident Recognized for Volunteer Service

Michael Koon, a Veterans Restoration Quarters resident and Army veteran, was recently recognized for accumulating 17,500 volunteer hours at the Charles George VA Medical Center. The award he recieved is just one of many accolades Koon has earned for his service to the the VA, including being named the 2011 Volunteer of the Year and honors for volunteering 7,500 hours, 8,750 hours, 12,000 hours, 14,400 hours and 15,000 hours. In 2015 he was recognized for his 45 years of service.

His volunteer responsibilities have included taking patients back and forth from their rooms to therapy sessions, delivering paperwork around the hospital and dropping off specimens at the lab.

“I felt like I wanted to give something back, so I decided to volunteer,” said Koon, who served in the Vietnam War. “One of the things that’s nice about being a volunteer is that you make everyone feel good. Volunteering has kept me out of trouble and kept me from doing some things I was doing.”

ABCCM is so proud of Michael Koon and all our veterans! We can't wait to congratulate him on his next volunteer milestone!

Family Has Hope After Fleeing Irma

Hurricane Irma evacuee Wren (left), whose home in Ocala, Fla., was destroyed, meets with a Crisis Ministry volunteer counselor to discuss affordable housing options in Buncombe County for her family.

Like many Florida residents, Wren and her family had lived through hurricanes. Many times, they rode out the storms in their rented home in the central Florida town of Ocala.

However, the Hurricane Irma forecasts last week felt different than previous storms. This time, Wren sensed the family would have to evacuate. She packed up her grown daughter and teenaged son, along with two young granddaughters, and they drove north.

It’s a good thing they did leave, because after the storm cleared Wren learned from her landlord that trees had fallen on the mobile home, and there was nothing left of it. There was nothing for the family to return to in Florida.

ABCCM was there to help Wren and her family at this desperate time.

As the family drove out of Florida, Wren – a history buff with an interest in geography – looked at maps to determine where they ought to go. She noticed Western North Carolina seemed protected by the mountains and it was likely the hurricane would be much weakened when it arrived. Wren and her family started to call social service agencies and were guided to Camp Cedar Cliff in Asheville for emergency shelter.

They stayed there several nights along with other evacuees, and were able to take their minds off the devastation with activities such as archery and ziplining. But when Wren learned her home had been destroyed, she was unsure where to go for help. She was directed to ABCCM and called the Crisis Ministry. Sheryl Olsen, the Crisis Ministry director, asked Wren to come meet with an ABCCM volunteer counselor to assess the family’s needs.

Although Wren knows that affordable housing is tight in Asheville, the family has decided to stay in Buncombe County for the time being, and is considering making it their new home. Sheryl gave Wren a comprehensive list of housing opportunities along with a quiet office in which to make phone calls to landlords and property managers, and some toys for her granddaughters. The Crisis Ministry also provided Wren and her family several nights in a local motel. The family also received food and clothing. Although they are still searching for a place to live, Wren is grateful that ABCCM has been standing alongside her and her family during this time.

“I’m worried about what to do next and what our future is, but I do feel like there is hope,” said Wren, who is already eager to find a church with an active youth group for her son. “I met with a counselor who was great.  I met with the staff, who was great. We can see that it’s hard to get into places to live, but I know ABCCM is working as hard as they can to help us.”

Do you know of anyone who can help this family with an affordable housing option? If so, email crisis@abccm.org to contact the Crisis Ministry.

Wren spent most of Thursday and Friday filling out paperwork and making phone calls in her family's search for affordable housing.