November Action Sheet
The leaves are falling, and November is upon us. Here are updates and ways to get involved this month with the communities and causes you care about.
We are excited to add a Health Resources list to our monthly action sheet, beneath the Local and State-wide updates. From free clinics to food banks, this list makes it easy to identify and access services that help promote everyone’s well-being.
Want to start an action sheet in your area? Get in touch by replying directly to this email, and let’s talk!
Know of any groups or actions that should be on this list? Let us know! We can always update the live action sheet available on our website here.
Beacon is growing fast, and we need your support! Your contributions help sustain and grow our action sheets, podcast, and community outreach, so if you can, please give today.
November Actions and Updates
Local
Municipal Elections
Municipal elections are being held on November 7th and will close on November 4th, this is an early opportunity to vote. A form of photo ID will be requested upon arrival
This is a helpful link that gives information on polling stations as well as their hours of operation. https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/One-Stop_Early_Voting/2023/One-Stop%20Site%20List_November2023.pdf
It is important to know who is running for election within your own municipalities, as their appointment can directly impact you. This excel spreadsheet, once selected, lists the candidates running for office-- educate and empower yourselves before you vote! https://www.ncsbe.gov/results-data/candidate-lists#current
Youth OUTright
Sign up for their newsletter to get regular updates, complete with many queer-friendly events and resources!
Sign up for their online queer-friendly youth programming (for your youths!)
Check out their resources focused on youth safety and mental health, particularly during what could be a challenging school year.
Support the Direct Youth Payment Program
This program provides immediate emergency funds for queer youth, prioritizing folks who are currently experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, are in danger of losing basic necessities, or suffering other major economic challenges. Donate to YouthOUTright to support this fund.
Asheville Racial Justice Coalition
Reparations Update
There was a Community Reparations Commission meeting on October 16, 2023. At this meeting, Christine Edwards, the project manager for the `reparations project, was reported to have resigned from her position;it is unclear who will replace her. The commission has also sought out an extension for their completion timeline. There were many more important details discussed.
For more information about other highlights from this meeting, check out this link here: https://www.rjcavl.org/reparations-are-due-updates/
To support their current campaign, click here for more information:
Tranzmission Project
Check out their resource page for trans and non-binary folks:
Sign up for updates and check out other programs on their website:
Buncombe Decides
Buncombe Decides is a website dedicated to informing the residents of Buncombe county on the most recent developments in their community.
In particular they are interested in reining in the rampant over-development of the tourism industry here, or else ensuring that the industry’s growth and profits benefit Asheville locals. There are regularly updated postings on local happenings and helpful links.
Find all of these helpful resources here: https://www.buncombedecides.org/
Asheville Tool Library
The Asheville Tool Library is a volunteer-powered, membership-based nonprofit that shares its tools and resources and offers educational opportunities to the Community of Western North Carolina.
Check out their inventory here: https://ashevilletoollibrary.org/tool-inventory/
Volunteer training nights are the second Thursdays of the month from 6-8pm.
Get more info here: https://ashevilletoollibrary.org/volunteer/
State:
State Legislature Strips Environmental Protections
State legislators overrode vetoes of HB600 and SB678, two regulatory reform bills that will gut protections of local waterways, ease regulations of livestock-waste disposal, and speed up the construction of the contentious Mountain Valley Pipeline.
Southern Equality Resources/Actions
Southern Equality has a great guide to legal resources from Trans folks specific to North Carolina (and other states as well!)
Check it out here: https://southernequality.org/legal-resources/north-carolina/
Take action against SB49 (the recently passed Don’t Say Gay etc. schools bill) and request a “Determination of Title IX Compliance”
A federal law called Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in any school that receives federal funds.
Read more here: https://southernequality.org/titleixdetermination/
Health Resources
Buncombe County
Food
Loving Food resources Inc- Phone:(828) 255-9282
Manna Food Bank- Phone: 828-299-3663
Buncombe Health Department offers WIC and NFP (Nurse Family Partnership for pregnant women)
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries- Hot meals served daily and food boxes - - 828-254-0471
ABCCM-Crisis Ministry partners with loaves and fishes- food boxes and hot food - 828 259 5300
Clothing and hygiene needs
ABCCM-Crisis ministry- 828 259 5300
Housing
Program Ahope- Phone:(828) 252-8883
Homeward Bound- Phone 828 2581695
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries- - 828-254-0471
ABCCM-RECOVERY LIVING MINISTRY-(for men)-828-259-5314
ABCCM- TRANSFORMATION VILLAGE-(For women, mothers with children and veterans)- (828) 259-5365
Pharmacy
NC Med assist- (must NC resident, uninsured, income at or below 300 FPL)
ABCCM-MEDICAL MINISTRY- ABCCM 356 pharmacy- (828) 259-5306
HealthCare
Arms Around ASD- (828) 424-7604
Western North Carolina Community Health Service (WNCCHS)- (telehealth, primary health, women’s health, dental, behavioral, HIV, opioid treatment program (project wellness), pharmacy, trans health and free legal assistance- Has co pay and sliding scale also accepts insurance s Medicare and Medicaid) works with Buncombe County residents- 828 285 0622.
Buncombe County Health Department- (STI clinic, TB testing, Immunization, Breast and cervical cancer control and Reproductive health) Mon-Fri: 8am- 5pm- 828-250-5000
Buncombe County mobile services- Provide healthcare for underserved, low income rural communities- complete form online and they will contact you- schedule available online https://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/health/mobile-team.aspx
ABCCM-MEDICAL MINISTRY- Medical and Dental care for low income communities of Buncombe county- (828) 259-5339
Transportation
ADA Paratransit service (for ppl who qualify under the disability act)- 828 250 6750 ext 5
Mental health/ trauma recovery
SeekHealing – 828 222 5029
All Souls Counseling Center- 828 259 3779
Drugs & Alcohol abuse
Western Carolina Rescue ministries- Abbas’s house- provide mother and baby 12month residence and equip them with the tools they need to maintain a substance abuse free life- 828-254-0471
Western Carolina rescue ministries- Men’s Recovery Program -A free, 12-month residential drug and alcohol- - 828-254-0471
Job training
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries- - 828-254-0471
Social Services Centers
ABCCM - works with veterans and detention center (supported by churches and volunteers)– 828 259 5300.
Children First (school based)– 828-252-4810
Buncombe County case management- 828 250 6401
United way of Asheville and Buncombe County (bringing together the necessary people and resources needed to tackle crucial community issues and connect people to the support they need)- phone: 828-255-0696.
Yancey County
Food
Mana food bank- delivers, serves hot food every day.
Yancey county healthcare- WIC program for eligible women and children
Healthcare
Yancey county health department- primary care, acute care, STI screening, immunization, drug screening, childcare and lab services- 828 682 6118
Trauma recovery/ Mental Health
SeekHealing – 828 222 5029
All Souls Counseling Center- 828 259 3779
