Politics

Edwards announces summit on homelessness

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 24, 2024

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards will host a community summit to discuss the rising rate of homelessness in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at AB Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium.

The summit, which is open to the public, will provide an opportunity for local community leaders to participate in a discussion facilitated by Edwards on the causes and potential solutions to address the increasing prevalence of homelessness in Buncombe County and the surrounding area.

“Homelessness in Western North Carolina is an issue that must be examined from multiple perspectives to find solutions that target the root issues," Edwards said. "The growing homelessness in our communities is not only heartbreaking, but often makes WNC’s business owners and residents feel unsafe."

“Constituents across the 11th district have made it clear to me that they want their leaders to take action and restore our beloved neighborhoods in the mountains to what they once were," he added. "I’m hosting this summit to bring local leaders and law enforcement to the table and hear their different perspectives with the goal of finding actionable steps that we can take to reverse the homelessness crisis in WNC.”

A panel discussing the issue includes:

• The Rev. Scott Rogers, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
• Micheal A. Woods, Western Carolina Rescue Ministries
• Murphy Mayor Tim Radford
• Capt. Jonathan Brown, Community Engagement Division, Asheville Police Department
• Emily Ball, manager of Asheville Homeless Strategy Division
• Hendersonville Mayor pro tem Lyndsey Simpson