South Asheville News

U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) has announced that he will be hosting a community summit to address the rising rate of homelessness in North Carolina's 11th district. The summit, scheduled for Friday, January 26, will be held at AB Tech's Ferguson Auditorium from 2:00-3:00 p.m. This event is open to the public and members of the media.

Congressman Edwards recognizes the urgency of the situation and believes that a collaborative effort is needed to find effective solutions. He stated, "Homelessness in Western North Carolina is an issue that must be examined from multiple perspectives to find solutions that target the root issues. The growing homelessness in our communities is not only heartbreaking, but often makes WNC's business owners and residents feel unsafe."

The congressman has been listening to the concerns of his constituents, and they have made it clear that action needs to be taken to restore their beloved neighborhoods in the mountains. Edwards aims to bring together local leaders and law enforcement to discuss the issue and explore different perspectives. The ultimate goal is to identify actionable steps that can be taken to reverse the homelessness crisis in WNC.

During the summit, a panel of officials and community members will share their insights and experiences. Among the speakers will be Reverend Scott Rogers from the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, Mr. Micheal A. Woods from the Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, Murphy Mayor Tim Radford, Captain Jonathan Brown from the Community Engagement Division of the Asheville Police Department, Emily Ball, the Manager of Asheville Homeless Strategy Division, and Hendersonville Mayor Pro Tempore Lyndsey Simpson.

This community summit is an important step towards addressing the issue of homelessness in North Carolina's 11th district. By bringing together various stakeholders, Congressman Edwards hopes to foster a productive dialogue that will lead to concrete actions being taken. The congressman emphasizes the need for swift and effective solutions, stating, "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."

The rising rate of homelessness is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. Congressman Edwards' community summit provides an opportunity for community leaders and stakeholders to come together, share their expertise, and work towards finding lasting solutions. The congressman's dedication to addressing this issue is commendable, and his efforts are a testament to his commitment to serving the people of North Carolina's 11th district.