Last Updated on May 17, 2023
Many of our neighbors live paycheck to paycheck, making difficult choices between rent, utilities, food, health care, and day care.
Today, we shine a spotlight on a local organization that helps individuals respond to emergency needs while working long term to address root causes of poverty. We invite you to learn more about Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry and how you can help them meet their mission.
What is Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry?
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) helps more than 20,000 underserved community members in Buncombe County (or 1 in 12 persons) address poverty, hunger, homelessness, and access to health care each year.
Since 1969, ABCCM has played a significant role in:
- Meeting emergency assistance needs for families in crisis.
- Coordinating religious services and education activities at local detention centers.
- Providing transitional and permanent supportive housing of the homeless through 300 beds.
- Increasing access to health care for half of the underinsured and medically underserved.
- Coordinating work readiness, mentoring, and job placement services.
ABCCM is generously supported by more than 289 churches of all denominations and 6,100 trained volunteers.
What services do they offer?
ABCCM’s collective of congregations does together what individuals cannot do separately. While responding to meet emergency needs, the agency also develops strategic plans to address the root causes of poverty, take steps to achieve independent living skills, and restore lives in the community. They accomplish those things through a series of ministries:
Crisis Ministry – ABCCM’s Crisis Ministries fill the gaps for families who cannot make ends meet mostly by providing food and clothes. Emergency utility and rental assistance funds help keep on the lights and water, and prevent families from eviction.
Jail Ministry – The ABCCM Jail Ministry serves the Buncombe County Detention Center through compassion, listening, and spiritual guidance. Detainees receive the hope and direction needed to reenter the community responsibly.
Medical Ministry – The ABCCM Medical Ministry provides urgent care, medication assistance, and crisis dental care to nearly 4,000 Buncombe County adults between 18–65. As the only free clinic in Buncombe County, the ministry has an impact of $5.8 million in health care.
Transformation Village – Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing for homeless women, mothers with children, and veterans. Residents get a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by love, trust, education, and companionship.
Veterans Restoration Quarters – ABCCM provides 250 total beds for veterans experiencing homelessness. The program helps restore lives through four developmental phases called Steps to Success. Participants receive the tools, direction, and encouragement needed to arrive at genuine success and full restoration.
Veteran Services of the Carolinas – ABCCM offers Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) to veterans across 74 North Carolina counties. 80% of participants are placed into living-wage, career-level jobs.
How can I support ABCCM?
The best ways to support ABCCM’s work are through prayer, service, and gifts. Their site offers specific prayers for you to deliver in earnest. As an ABCCM volunteer, you can also make a big difference in the lives of others. Volunteers are always needed to serve hot meals, deliver household items, set up events, lead Bible study, or perform vocational functions, such as barbering, teaching, and data entry.
Lastly, but not least, ABCCM graciously accepts donations to support their mission and ministries. They are currently raising funds for the Transformation Village Capital Campaign. Eight out of ten women leave Transformation Village with stable income and permanent homes and do not return to homelessness. They also support the Honor Card program, a campaign to raise awareness and funds to help meet the needs of the homeless.
Get more by giving back
At Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity and means to Live Abundantly in WNC. Donate time and money to an organization like ABCCM that means something to you. Reach out to ABCCM or contact your Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks agent to learn about local nonprofits in your community.
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
Administrative Office: 20 Twentieth Street, Asheville
(828) 259-5300
