On Tuesday night, Asheville City Council voted unanimously to help fund the purchase + conversion of the Days Inn hotel at 201 Tunnel Rd. into permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness. The city joins both Buncombe County and Dogwood Health Trust in the $13.5 million endeavor. Let’s take a look at the details.
By the numbers: who’s funding this?
- The city is contributing $2 million from the $26.2 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to nonprofit Homeward Bound to assist with the purchase.
- The org is contributing $6.5 million to the total cost, thanks to partnerships with other groups.
- Buncombe County is putting $2 million toward the purchase.
- Dogwood Health Trust will offer $2 million.
- An anonymous private donor will donate $500,000 to support the purchase.
- A fundraising campaign will also be launched.
What about the digs?
- The ’60s era hotel will offer 85 rooms with added kitchenettes for those who make less than 30% of the area median income.
- An additional 43 rooms will be converted to new offices for Homeward Bound and service providers from other groups, plus case managers, a housing director + more.
- Onsite medical care for folks who are “medically fragile.”
The hotel is intended to be a model for the community and hopes to be successful by offering services like treatment and behavioral health + food support. Unlike other housing for homeless populations, it will be permanent and allow residents to stay there and age in place. Homeward Bound hopes to close on the property next month and begin moving people in in 2022.
Also noteworthy? Housing won’t be limited to Asheville, but will support folks in the region, including from places like Henderson County.