Asheville – The storied streets of Asheville, North Carolina, cradled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, have long been a canvas on which the complexities of urban life and social challenges are vividly painted. In this dynamic tableau stands Jan Davis, a figure of enduring commitment to the community, whose tenure as a city council member, vice mayor, and long-time proprietor of a tire store on Patton Avenue has afforded him a unique perspective on the city’s unyielding struggle with homelessness.
Davis’s moderate yet left-leaning political stance reflects a pragmatic approach, as seen in his voting record, including his support for the ambitious Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness in 2005. He acknowledges that despite efforts, homelessness in Asheville has not only persisted but expanded over the years, expressing disappointment that necessary coalitions were not formed to make the early plan more successful.
His dedication to human services and compassionate endeavors has never wavered, providing him with deep insights into the efficacy—or lack thereof—of the programs designed to combat this crisis. Davis is quick to remind us of the historical presence of the issue: “There were homeless people in 1984 when I opened my business in the downtown. We even knew but a fair amount of them personally,” he recalls.
Over the nearly four decades that Davis has operated his automotive business in the downtown Patton Avenue corridor, he has borne witness to the day-to-day experiences of the homeless population and the service providers striving to address their needs. He looks back on those early years when organizations like the Western Carolina Rescue Ministries and the Salvation Army were in their infancy in the corridor. These groups provided invaluable support to the homeless, a role they continue to fulfill.
Homeward Bound, which evolved from Hospitality House, opened their day shelter, AHope, a low barrier shelter offering a sanctuary for Asheville’s homeless. Regrettably, the shelter’s client base has swollen to numbers that stretch its capacity to the limits. This growth speaks to the escalating issue and the dire need for additional resources and solutions.
Davis’s contributions to the city’s efforts to prevent homelessness have been significant. During his time on City Council, he supported the establishment of a well-funded Housing Trust Fund, advocated for zoning changes to encourage housing affordability, and took an active role in the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. He also chaired the Housing and Community Development Committee that oversaw the distribution of funds to nonprofit providers.
Mental Health As Priority for Homeless
Having led the Council’s Community Development Committee, Davis expresses his concerns about the city’s neglect of mental health services, which he perceives as being overshadowed by the resources poured into addressing the immediate needs of the homeless, such as temporary or affordable housing. “I think a lot of them [non-profit providers] work off body count, or feeding people and housing and that sort of thing, but we don’t give much time, money, or energy towards addressing the mental health component,” he asserts.
The consequences of this oversight are tangible, touching even the businesses owned by those like Davis. His tire store suffered an arson fire easrlier in 2023, which closed the business for five months—a crime attributed by local authorities to homeless vandals. Beyond the physical damage, Davis describes a pervasive presence of drug use and sales, bad behavior, and violence within the homeless community—issues that, in his view, require a more robust approach including law enforcement and mental health case management for those seeking to escape the cycle of homelessness.
Despite incremental progress since the 1980s, Davis believes that a substantial shift is necessary for a more effective response to the homeless situation. He argues that a multi-faceted approach is required, one that includes temporary housing as a bridge to more comprehensive treatment. “You could get somebody in [housing] temporarily until they can receive more treatment. But these people wishing to get out of homelessness or out of addiction and off the streets, requires giving them some mental help,” he explains.
Davis posits that funds primarily earmarked for feeding and housing should be reallocated to promote mental health and sobriety. He has witnessed desperate individuals exploiting their own community, using financial aid to fuel drug transactions that prey on their vulnerable peers, rather than alleviating their plight.
While recognizing efforts made by the current city council, Davis views their approach as an easier path that skirts the more profound issues. “The easiest thing in the world to do is say the housing-first model is the correct model,” Davis states, but he also notes that a fair percentage of the most violent individuals on the street are not seeking housing.
Davis believes the current approach may be the only viable short-term solution, but he urges the city council to take further action. He emphasizes the significant issue of mental health and asserts that the council has the authority to require service providers to allocate funding towards rehabilitation programs.
In conclusion, Davis appreciates the increased emphasis on downtown public safety led by Police Chief Zack and the Asheville Police Department. His unwavering commitment offers a valuable perspective on the urgent need for a recalibrated approach to homelessness and substance abuse. He advocates for redirecting funds to promote mental health and sobriety, addressing root causes, and empowering individuals to overcome their challenges as critical steps towards achieving true recovery and lasting change.