Asheville's Growing Crisis: Homelessness, Crime, and Public Disorder on the Rise
Asheville, North Carolina—once marketed as a serene mountain escape famous for its breweries and Blue Ridge views—is now grappling with a surge in homelessness, crime, and public disorder. Residents and critics point to rising issues including panhandling, public intoxication, and sprawling encampments.
"Many residents avoid downtown due to safety concerns," says former City Council member Carl Mumpower, citing a drop in police presence and the erosion of public order.
Key Statistics Paint a Grim Picture
The Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care reports that the 2026 Point-in-Time survey counted 824 people experiencing homelessness, a stark 9.1% increase from 2025. Of those, 334 individuals were unsheltered, up 1.8% from the prior year. Nearly 500 people were in shelters or transitional housing—a figure partly attributed to expanded capacity.
Criticism of Long-Standing City Policies
Former City Council member Carl Mumpower has been vocal in his criticism, attributing the problems to policies dating back to the 2000s.
"The 'Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness' removed personal accountability," Mumpower said, arguing that the approach failed to address root causes.
He also lambasted the city's decision to defund the police department, which he claims led to a 40% reduction in officer numbers. This, he argues, has resulted in a sharp increase in unenforced minor crimes, emboldening disorder.
Hurricane Helene Worsens the Situation
The damage from Hurricane Helene in September 2024 deepened hardships across western North Carolina. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley criticized the Biden administration and former Governor Roy Cooper for inadequate relief efforts.
"Under President Trump, $1.4 billion in HUD housing relief and increased FEMA disaster aid have been provided," Whatley noted, framing the response as a turning point for the region.
City of Asheville Responds
In a statement, the City of Asheville said it has launched the Asheville Police Department's Downtown Plan, which aims to double police patrols and deploy mental health counselors to address non-violent issues. The city has also expanded its panhandling ordinance and continues to work with community partners to manage the crisis.