The spirit of helping, sparked during the holidays, can continue throughout the year, thanks to the myriad volunteer options available around Asheville. Below, a few ways to help those less fortunate in our community:
Homeward Bound
The local chapter of Homeward Bound, which aims to end homelessness by providing much-needed services to people transitioning into a home, has many volunteer opportunities. AHOPE Day Center volunteers assist people experiencing homelessness while they wait for housing by handing out towels and toiletries for showers, and checking mail and phone messages, all in an environment of kindness. Volunteers can also help at the Welcome Home Donation Center, which provides basic furniture and household goods to help clients’ new housing feel like home.
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
Dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes, Habitat for Humanity offers volunteers a variety of ways to help. No prior experience is needed to aid in building or repairing homes. Volunteers can also lend a hand at ReStore, a retail store that sells donated home goods and building supplies at affordable prices to the general public.
The Literacy Council of Buncombe County
The Literacy Council of Buncombe County is a nonprofit organization that teaches basic reading, writing and English language skills to adults and children through individual and small-group instruction. Tutors complete orientation sessions and training, and commit to working with their students for a designated period of time.
Animal Lovers
There are plenty of ways to help animals in Buncombe County through organizations like Asheville Humane Society and Brother Wolf. Volunteers do everything from providing socialization and companionship to adoption-center animals to manning the front desk and assisting with daily cleaning.
Asheville City Schools Foundation
Asheville City Schools Foundation, which works to create strong public schools and break the cycle of poverty, has a need for volunteers to tutor and mentor students K-12. Volunteers can also lend their expertise to tutor Asheville High School/SILSA students in all subjects, but especially math.
The Council on Aging of Buncombe County
A nonprofit that provides services to those 60 and older, The Council on Aging of Buncombe County offers a volunteer transportation program that provides rides to seniors who can no longer drive. It also has a need for volunteers to help in its Adopt-A-Lawn service.
RiverLink
RiverLink promotes the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed as a place to live, learn, work and play. Volunteers can help with river cleanups, invasive plant removal, environmental education, special events, administrative tasks, park construction and more.
MANNA FoodBank
Hunger-relief organization MANNA FoodBank provides food to more than 347 member agencies throughout Western North Carolina. There’s a need for drivers, distribution assistants and warehouse volunteers.
For more information about our area or about real estate in Asheville, please contact Mike Figura at Mike@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call him anytime at (828) 337-8190.
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