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Resources

Community & Legal Resources in Buncombe County for Individuals and Families

Legal Resources

  • Pro Se Forms are official North Carolina court documents that allow individuals to represent themselves in certain legal matters. These forms provide step-by-step guidance for filing actions such as custody, divorce, or name changes without an attorney. They are designed to make the legal process more accessible for people who choose to navigate it on their own.

  • eCourts Portal – The North Carolina eCourts Portal is an online tool where you can look up your case, view court calendars, and find instructions for navigating the court system. It provides public access to important case information in Buncombe County and across the state.

    NC E-File & Serve – eFile & Serve NC is the official online filing system for North Carolina courts. In Buncombe County, attorneys and individuals can use this platform to securely submit legal documents, track filings, and serve documents electronically.

  • The Buncombe County Family Justice Center (FJC) is a safe place where the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse can find help. The FJC is a centralized location where survivors can access coordinated support from several partner agencies, including law enforcement, non-profit service providers, health care providers, and government services. Helpmate is an onsite partner at the FJC.

  • Pisgah Legal Services – Pisgah Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm based in Western North Carolina that provides free civil legal aid to low-income people. In Buncombe County, Pisgah Legal helps individuals and families with issues such as domestic violence, housing, healthcare, and access to benefits. They also offer advocacy and community education to support economic and social justice in the region.

  • Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide nonprofit law firm that provides free legal help in civil cases to eligible low-income people. In Buncombe County and across the state, Legal Aid assists with matters such as family law, domestic violence, housing, consumer protection, and access to public benefits. Their mission is to ensure that all North Carolinians have equal access to justice, regardless of income.

Resources for Survivors of Domestic & Sexual Violence

  • Our VOICE is a nonprofit crisis intervention and prevention agency serving Buncombe County. They provide free, confidential services for survivors of rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking, including a 24-hour crisis line, counseling, advocacy, and support groups. Our VOICE also works in the community to prevent sexual violence through education, outreach, and training programs.

  • Helpmate is a local organization that provides resources for people who have been victimized by domestic violence. They can provide free emergency shelter, counseling, and support.

    Contact Helpmate through their 24/7 hotline at 828-254-0516. Helpmate’s services are free and confidential. 

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a 24/7 confidential support service for anyone experiencing domestic violence, abuse, or unhealthy relationships. Callers can connect with trained advocates who provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local resources. Support is available by phone at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), online chat, or text, offering help anywhere in the United States.

Housing, Transportation & Stability Resources

  • Database of Buncombe County Housing Shelters – The Buncombe County Homelessness Resources page provides current information about emergency shelters, transitional housing, day centers, and supportive services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It includes programs like the AHOPE Day Center, ABCCM’s Transformation Village, Helpmate’s crisis shelter, and more, as well as contact info and eligibility details.

  • ART Bus Fares and Passes – Asheville Redefines Transit (ART) provides affordable public bus service throughout Asheville and Buncombe County. A single ride can be purchased, and there are options for discounted multi-ride booklets, monthly passes, and annual passes.

    Reduced fares are available for seniors, students, Medicare recipients, and riders with disabilities, while children ages 5 and under ride free. Eligible riders can apply for discount passes by showing ID or completing an application.

  • Asheville Housing Authority / Buncombe County Housing Authority – The Asheville Housing Authority runs public housing programs and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, helping eligible residents with reduced-rent housing options, waitlists for apartments, and support navigating application requirements. Their office handles applications, eligibility, and ongoing support for voucher holders.

  • Southside Community Farm & Pantry – Located in the Southside neighborhood of Asheville, this Black-led urban farm grows fresh produce and runs outdoor fridges, pantries, and a weekly veggie-box program to distribute free or low-cost nutritious food to neighbors.

    Double Up Food Bucks (MountainWise) – This program matches your SNAP/EBT dollars for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating grocery stores, farmers markets, and food hubs throughout Western North Carolina, boosting healthy food access for families.

    MANNA FoodBank – A regional food bank serving Western NC, MANNA distributes wholesale food, operates hunger relief programs, and partners with local agencies to get food to food pantries, shelters, and directly to families. (Needs checking for latest locations / hours)

    Bounty & Soul – A community initiative focused on distributing fresh produce + culturally relevant foods in underserved neighborhoods; combines nutrition outreach with education and community engagement. (Recommend confirming current operating details locally.)

    BeLOVED Asheville – Organization offering mutual aid food distribution and community meals in Asheville, often through volunteer networks; aims to reduce food insecurity & promote dignity.

Healthcare & Mental Health Resources

  • National Mental Health Hotline (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) – Dial or text 988 any time (24/7) if you’re experiencing emotional distress, mental health struggles, thoughts of self-harm, or just need someone to talk with; this free and confidential service connects you with trained counselors and crisis centers in your area.

  • RHA Health Services (Buncombe / Asheville) – RHA is a nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD), and crisis care services in Asheville and Buncombe County. Their Asheville Comprehensive Care Center (356 Biltmore Ave) offers urgent behavioral health help 24/7, walk-in crisis services, outpatient support, and assistance for those with co-occurring needs. Their 24/7 Mobile Crisis hotline can be reached at 1-888-573-1006

  • The Steady Collective – A harm-reduction nonprofit in Asheville that offers free and confidential services like syringe exchange, naloxone distribution, wound care, drug testing strips (for fentanyl and xylazine), and needle litter pickup; they also run Narcan training sessions and operate outreach at several locations across Buncombe County.

  • Buncombe County Health Department (Health & Human Services / Public Health) – Located at 40 Coxe Avenue in Asheville, this county agency offers a wide range of health services, including immunizations, family planning, STI testing & treatment, breast & cervical cancer screening, WIC/nutrition programs, and environmental health; many services are low-cost or sliding scale, and walk-in hours are available.

  • How to Apply for NC Medicaid – North Carolina Medicaid helps eligible residents with healthcare costs; you can apply online through ePASS, in person, by phone, mail, fax, or drop-off at your local Department of Social Services (DSS). The application asks for basic information like name, address, income, and other documents (e.g. ID, proof of income), and offers free help in multiple languages.

    How to Enroll in Medicare - Medicare is a major federally-funded medical plan that provides a basic foundation of benefits. The Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers free, objective information about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare claims, Medicare supplement insurance, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, fraud and abuse prevention, and long-term care insurance.

  • The Minnie Jones Health Center in Asheville is a federally qualified community health center offering comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, women’s health, pediatrics, HIV care, and pharmacy services; they accept patients with and without insurance, including Medicaid/Medicare, and offer a sliding-discount program so care is affordable for all.

  • ‍ ‍WNCAP’s purpose is to provide equitable access to care and reduce harm from HIV, Hepatitis C, and drug use.

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Queer & Trans Organizations

  • The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization offering 24/7 crisis intervention, suicide prevention, peer support, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ young people (roughly ages 13-24), through phone, chat, and text services.

  • Youth OUTright (WNC) – Youth OUTright is Asheville’s nonprofit supporting LGBTQIA+ youth ages ~11-24, offering drop-in programs, peer support, advocacy, and trainings for youth-serving organizations to build safer, affirming spaces.

  • Tranzmission – Tranzmission is a nonprofit organization in Asheville, North Carolina dedicated to improving the lives of trans and nonbinary people across Western NC, offering peer support, advocacy, community events, and an emergency housing fund for folks in housing crisis.

  • Blue Ridge Pride is an Asheville-based nonprofit that builds a supportive, informed, and inclusive LGBTQIA2S+ community through intersectional advocacy, education & outreach, mental health counseling, a virtual pride center, and an annual festival; they also maintain a Welcoming Directory of businesses and organizations that affirm every person’s right to be themselves.

  • Firestorm Books is a worker-owned, collectively managed bookstore and café at 610 Haywood Road, offering radical, queer-friendly, and independently published books, zines and community events; it serves as a gathering space for workshops, readings, and conversations rooted in social justice and alternative culture.

  • Charlotte Trans Health envisions a society in which people of all gender identities and gender expressions have access to competent, affirming, evidence-based healthcare services, with equity and dignity.

  • Southern Queer Survivor Network is an anti-violence project serving LGBTQ+ survivors in all 100 counties of North Carolina.

  • GLAD Law is a legal advocacy organization that advances LGBTQ+ issues.