Asheville, North Carolina, once known for its scenic mountain attractions, breweries, and charming boutiques, is grappling with a different narrative lately. Residents and observers report a rise in visible homelessness, public intoxication, and a generally unsafe feel in the downtown area after Hurricane Helen struck.
Karl Manpower, a clinical psychologist who has lived in Asheville for years and served on the City Council from 2001 to 2009, suggests that the roots of these problems lie in decades-old policy decisions. He noted that the city initiated efforts to tackle homelessness about thirty years ago, with a significant push beginning when the first 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness was introduced in the early 2000s. However, Manpower criticized this plan as unwise, arguing that it dismissed personal accountability in providing aid.
He commented, “The city has continued to follow the same misguided approach since then.” According to him, homelessness, substance abuse, and crime have escalated, unchecked by local experts or the predominantly liberal leadership. With no conservative voices in leadership since 2009, he believes this imbalance has led to recurring misjudgments.
“Asheville tends to favor fanciful ideas over practical solutions when dealing with homelessness,” he added. The Asheville-Buncombe Care Continuum, responsible for coordinating homelessness services in the area, recently reported a record high in the homeless population, counting 824 individuals in 2026—up 9.1% from the previous year. This includes more than 330 people without shelter, which shows a slight rise too.
Manpower attributed these systemic issues partly to what he called “fanciful interventions” and criticized the city for reducing police funding, leading to significant departmental cuts. He believes the diminishing law enforcement presence has directly influenced rising crime rates. Many small crimes are going unreported, and due to staffing shortages, some officers worked immense overtime, earning over $150,000 last year.
Local residents are feeling the impact, with many saying they avoid downtown altogether, expressing frustration over the chaotic atmosphere. “People often say, ‘I’m not going downtown anymore. It’s disgusting, it’s crazy, it’s scary,'” he recounted.
In light of Hurricane Helen’s devastation in September 2024, which worsened local struggles, Republican candidate Michael Whatley criticized the government for ineffectively managing the post-hurricane response. He emphasized that the needed relief funds from federal and state authorities are crucial for recovery.
While the Biden administration faced backlash regarding its response, Whatley highlighted that under previous leadership, significant funds were secured for housing recovery through FEMA. He indicated that while there is substantial federal assistance, the situation remains dire.
The city of Asheville has stated it is committed to public safety and recently rolled out a new Downtown Plan meant to enhance police patrols. This includes incorporating mental health professionals alongside officers to address the complexities of homelessness more effectively. City officials also mentioned plans to expand panhandling regulations and collaborate with local organizations to address the situation.
