ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The number of people experiencing homelessness in Asheville and Buncombe County increased again in 2026, with officials pointing to ongoing housing pressures and lingering impacts from Tropical Storm Helene.
The latest Point-in-Time count, conducted in February, identified 824 people experiencing homelessness, up 9 percent from 755 counted in 2025.
Of those counted this year, 334 people were unsheltered — living in places not meant for habitation such as encampments, vehicles and public spaces — while 390 were staying in shelters or transitional housing programs…