Justice Resource Advisory Council Meeting

Justice Resource Advisory Council Meeting Recap: Addressing Homelessness and Improving Services in Buncombe County

The Justice Resource Advisory Council (JRAC) convened on June 6, 2025, to discuss ongoing efforts related to homelessness, pretrial services, and grant opportunities aimed at supporting individuals involved in the justice system within Buncombe County. While the meeting was productive, it was unfortunately unable to reach a formal quorum due to technical difficulties and absences, impacting the ability to take official votes.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the findings from the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) count, presented by Lacy Hoyle. The data revealed a concerning increase of 16 individuals experiencing homelessness in the county, bringing the total to 755. While a decrease in transitional housing beds was noted due to the closure of a veterans' facility, the number of unsheltered individuals also saw a rise. Importantly, the presentation highlighted stark disparities within the data, revealing disproportionately high representation of Black/African American and Indigenous individuals facing homelessness compared to county demographics. This underscored the need for targeted interventions addressing systemic inequities.

Beyond the PIT count, updates were provided on the Pretrial Services program, which recently resumed accepting new cases after a brief pause for policy review. The program is now incorporating a domestic violence/intimate partner violence protocol and providing judges with pretrial risk assessments to ensure fairer outcomes. Exciting news arrived from Ms. Tate, Assistant County Manager, who announced the successful acquisition of a Just Home Grant – securing $5 million in loan funding alongside a planning phase from July to December 2025. This grant will be instrumental in developing housing assistance programs, and JRAC members are strongly encouraged to participate in the upcoming planning phase to ensure community needs are accurately identified.

Community input was limited as Steven Thomas from Goodwill, Western North Carolina, registered to provide public comment but experienced technical difficulties connecting to the meeting. Judge Scott offered a poignant observation, recognizing the dedication and grace of judges navigating complex cases within the system. Ms. Tate emphasized that community involvement will be crucial in shaping how the Just Home Grant is implemented, ensuring it effectively addresses identified needs.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Nominations for the vacant Vice Chair position will be accepted at the August JRAC meeting, and Lee Creighton is currently reviewing relevant data sets on housing and justice-involved individuals. Eric Jackson will present the AOC’s statewide court appearance project report at a future meeting, potentially informing JRAC's ongoing work. Finally, the Community Engagement Work Group will explore providing materials in Spanish to better serve the growing Hispanic/Latino community.

This meeting highlighted JRAC's ongoing commitment to addressing critical challenges within the justice system and supporting vulnerable populations in Buncombe County. The discussions surrounding homelessness, pretrial services, and the Just Home Grant demonstrate a proactive approach to improving outcomes for residents facing these complex issues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming opportunities to contribute to the planning phases of these initiatives.