It's official: Days Inn to become 85 permanent housing units for chronically homeless

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — News 13 has confirmed that Homeward Bound has recently closed on the Days Inn property on Tunnel Road. The hotel will soon be converted into 85 permanent housing units.

Homeward Bound Rapid Rehousing Program Manager Jerry Kivett-Kimbro said they hope to begin renovations in January 2022.

"Now that we have closed we can start moving forward with renovations of the space because it will not be emergency shelter; it will be permanent supportive housing," said Kivett-Kimbro. "Eighty-five units of housing that will permanently end 85 households homelessness."

ASHEVILLE HOTEL TO SOON BECOME HOME FOR THE HOMELESS

The project is slated to cost around $13.5 million and will include around-the-clock support staff meals, a health clinic and job training.

Homeward Bound says it's a unique opportunity to finally be able to house some of the chronically homeless people in our community.

"This will be a unique housing intervention in our community. It really will be one-of-a-kind. There is no other property that will have the wraparound services, the on-site case management, the on-site security, that will really provide some intentional community for clients who have struggled in other housing interventions," said Kivett-Kimbro.

$2 MILLION APPROVED TO HELP CONVERT ASHEVILLE HOTEL INTO AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS

Asheville City, Buncombe County, Dogwood Health Trust and an anonymous donor all contributed to the project.

The plan is for the units to be ready for people to move in by early 2023.

Kivett-Kimbro told News 13 that Homeward Bound is working with other local agencies to identify those most in need of this type of housing option.

Here is the official announcement from Homeward Bound:

"Asheville – Homeward Bound recently closed on the Days Inn property on Tunnel Road, making 'home' for 85 chronically homeless individuals closer to reality. The acquisition was made possible by funding from the city and county, Dogwood Health Trust, and an anonymous donor.

Homeward Bound’s Senior Resource Development Director Eleanor Ashton explained, 'The folks who will reside in this permanent supportive housing model have lived on the streets for many years and struggle with chronic health conditions. They also impose a high cost to the community because of the overuse of public services such as crisis centers, hospital emergency departments, ambulances, and law enforcement. If left to live on the streets, these folks could cost the community $3 to $4 million. Housed in this facility drops the cost to 1/3 of that, or less.'

The design plan is to turn the 127 hotel rooms into 85 efficiency apartments and offices for Homeward Bound administrative and program staff. When it opens extensive supportive services will be available including on site case management tailored to each resident’s needs, 24/7 support staff, behavioral health services, social and educational activities, meals provided by community partners, job training, and a medical clinic.

Renovations are expected to begin in January, and if there are no delays, residents can move in by the end of year 2022 or beginning of 2023.

The hotel conversion campaign is called Home is Key. Ashton says, 'Home is Key to health, safety, healing, and hope. That’s the essence of this innovative housing model.'

Since 2006, Homeward Bound has moved more than 2,300 people into housing and 92% have not returned to homelessness over a 12-month survey period. The organization uses the Housing First model which embraces the principle that permanent housing is the foundation from which people must start rebuilding their lives. Until a person experiencing homelessness has a safe, secure place to live, he or she cannot move forward with addressing other struggles like mental illness, substance use, or chronic illness. For more information about the Home is Key Campaign, contact Jim Lowder at jim@homewardboundwnc.org."