Used camping gear can be a lifesaver for Asheville's homeless veterans

Got camping gear you’ve outgrown or swore you would use, but never did?

There are people who can and will use it. Asheville’s homeless veterans.

From Nov. 12-19, Homeward Bound holds its Homeless Heroes Donation Drive at its Welcome Home Donation Center at 205 Elk Park Drive in Woodfin.

The nonprofit is asking the public to donate new or gently used camping equipment such as small tents – three-to-five-person tents are best – cold weather sleeping bags, camping sleeping pads and backpacks.

According to the organization, 45 percent of Buncombe County’s homeless population are veterans. A portion of these veterans are living outside – in campgrounds, under bridges, in their cars and on the streets.

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North Carolina is home to the eighth largest population of veterans in the country. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 31 percent of North Carolina’s 4,000 homeless veterans live in Buncombe County.

This population faces unique challenges – higher levels of incarceration, poverty, homelessness and mental health issues – compared to the population at large. Among veterans, women are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.

Homeward Bound Veteran Outreach staff assists these veterans by offering camping equipment and gear to help them withstand the weather and severity of the outdoors. This gesture not only creates trust but also helps in a way that is most needed.

The camping gear collected in this drive will go directly to veterans who are homeless and living outside. Homeward Bound also has a matching gift challenge established by two families who are dedicated to ending homelessness. The Creating Hope and Homes Gift Challenge will match all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000. The deadline for the gift challenge is midnight Dec. 31.

Since its inception in 2014, Homeward Bound’s Veterans Housing Services Program has found homes for 248 veterans and their families, assisted 172 veteran families in becoming housed who were referred by the Housing and Urban Development - Veterans Administration Supportive Housing and prevented 60 veteran families from becoming homeless through its Homelessness Prevention Program.

Want to help?

Drop off times for the donation drive are 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12 and Thursday, Nov. 15,l and 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14. If those times are not convenient, make arrangements by contacting Ashley Campbell at 828-777-1886 or ashley@homewardboundwnc.org.

For more information, visit www.homewardboundwnc.org.