Asheville -- June 30, 2026: Six Asheville police officers will soon begin full-time patrols in the city's public housing communities as part of a yearlong pilot program aimed at improving public safety, reducing crime, and strengthening relationships with residents.
While the additional police presence has received the most attention, the initiative is part of a broader effort involving the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville (HACA), local government, and community organizations that provide education, workforce development, youth programs, health services, and family support.
The newly formed Housing Team will assign officers to specific housing communities where they will work closely with residents, property managers, and Housing Authority staff. Rather than responding only to emergency calls, the officers are expected to build long-term relationships, identify recurring issues, and work proactively to improve neighborhood safety.
The pilot program comes after growing concerns about violent crime, drug activity, and opioid overdoses in several public housing communities. Housing Authority officials have also expanded overdose prevention efforts by providing Narcan training and supplies to staff members and increasing inspections of vacant units to discourage unauthorized occupancy.
Beyond public safety, HACA continues to offer a variety of Resident Services designed to help families achieve greater independence and long-term stability. These programs include workforce development, employment assistance, Family Self-Sufficiency coaching, youth enrichment activities, health and wellness initiatives, and connections to food assistance and community resources.
Residents also have access to services provided by numerous community partners throughout Asheville and Buncombe County, including career counseling, job placement, vocational training, adult education, behavioral health services, family counseling, youth mentoring, and social work support. Organizations such as NCWorks Career Center, Goodwill Workforce Development, Buncombe County Health and Human Services, Eliada, the Arthur R. Edington Education & Career Center, and other nonprofit agencies play important roles in supporting individuals and families.
Community leaders often note that long-term neighborhood success depends on more than increased law enforcement. Stable housing, educational opportunities, access to mental health care, addiction recovery services, employment opportunities, and strong youth programs all contribute to healthier, safer communities.
As the Housing Team begins its one-year pilot, city officials and the Housing Authority will evaluate not only changes in crime and public safety, but also how continued collaboration between law enforcement, resident services, and community organizations can improve quality of life for families living in Asheville's public housing communities.
The initiative reflects a community-wide approach that recognizes lasting change is achieved through both public safety and meaningful investment in the people who call these neighborhoods home.