Bumcombe County -- November 1. 2026: An Asheville-based nonprofit dedicated to shielding domestic abuse survivors is preparing to more than double its emergency housing capacity as it moves into a newly built, modern facility. Helpmate is completing preparations to open Joy’s House, an expansive 23,000-square-foot shelter designed to provide 43 beds, up from just 20 beds at its previous site. The project focuses on offering greater privacy, security, and accessibility for adults and children fleeing life-threatening situations across the region.
The expansion comes in direct response to severe capacity shortages in Buncombe County. Over the past year, Helpmate provided approximately 7,329 nights of emergency shelter. However, due to space limitations at its older property, the organization was forced to turn away 435 families in immediate need. Helpmate reports that approximately 90 percent of the survivors entering its shelter during that timeframe were assessed as being at extreme risk of domestic homicide.
The roughly $16 million capital project broke ground in April 2024 after Helpmate determined that modernizing and expanding its aging structure was financially impractical. The organization recently achieved its full fundraising goal, allowing construction and fit-out to finish.
The facility is named in honor of Joy Henderson, Helpmate’s longtime shelter director, who retired in 2025 following three decades of advocacy and service supporting thousands of families in Western North Carolina.
Joy’s House features substantial improvements tailored to survivor recovery:
Twenty-five efficiency suites in varied layouts to accommodate single individuals as well as larger family units.
Multiple smaller, shared kitchens rather than a single large communal kitchen, ensuring greater daily privacy for residents.
Designated indoor activity rooms and secure outdoor play spaces for children.
Full compliance with modern accessibility standards, including ADA-compliant residential rooms and an elevator for survivors with mobility needs.
Dedicated private meeting rooms for group support sessions, individual counseling, and safety planning.
To transition the crisis operation into the new facility without diverting critical funding from survivor care, local business leaders stepped forward. College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving of Asheville is providing complete packing and moving services free of charge. The effort is part of the moving company's nationwide Safe Moves program, which originated during the pandemic to remove physical and financial barriers for domestic violence survivors seeking safe shelter.
Helpmate leadership noted that having professional movers shoulder the entire logistical burden allows their staff to remain fully centered on essential client needs, including rapid crisis intervention, court accompaniment, and therapeutic support.
Beyond emergency housing, Helpmate offers free, confidential community programs throughout the year:
24-Hour Crisis Line: Immediate help and safety planning are available at (828) 254-0516.
Walk-In Assistance: Advocates provide intake and support with no appointment required during regular weekday business hours at the Buncombe County Family Justice Center, located at 35 Woodfin Street in Asheville.
Legal and Family Advocacy: Free court representation, counseling, rapid-rehousing aid, and youth services.
Online Information: Community members can learn more about support services, volunteer needs, or donations at helpmateonline.org.
Image: Joy's House
Credit: Helpmate