“I want a place where people can come in from the cold, have a meal, and get the help they need to turn their lives around.”

-Rev. Arch Cameron, 1979

Welcome Friends

Paul writes in the book of Romans 12:13, ” Share with God’s people who need help.” That is exactly what we strive to do each and every day at Western Carolina Rescue Ministries. Whether it’s by providing a warm meal, safe shelter, clean clothing, medical care, or simply a smile – we strive to share with those who need it most. It is my goal to bring people to a place where they can find a specific purpose for their life, and transform them from a place of poverty to productivity.

Thank you for joining us in the movement to impact the city of Asheville. If you have any questions about who we are or what we do, please do not hesitate to reach out to us under the “Contact Us” tab of our website.

Have a blessed day!

Micheal Woods
Executive Director

Micheal Woods Executive director of Western Carolina rescue ministries

Our Mission

WESTERN CAROLINA RESCUE MINISTRIES (WCRM) EXISTS TO SERVE THE HOMELESS, POOR, AND ADDICTED POPULATIONS OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. AS A NONDENOMINATIONAL MINISTRY, WE MEET PEOPLE IN CRISIS, FOCUS ON HELPING THEM AT THE POINT OF THEIR NEED, INVEST IN THEIR FUTURE, AND HELP THEM UNTIL THEY CAN MOVE FORWARD.

Western Carolina Rescue Mission has served our community faithfully since March of 1981. For over forty years, we have seen God move mightily in the lives of the men and women we serve. Some women and men come in for food and shelter, while others benefit for our one-year residential recovery program which offers freedom from the chains of addiction.

We seek to provide Rescue, Recovery, and Restoration in Jesus’ Name. Each of these three components of our Ministry is about meeting people in crisis where they are, caring for them with dignity, and then restoring them to healthy, productive lives.

Our belief is that God has so much more for the men, women, and children of Western North Carolina struggling with poverty, homelessness, and addiction. We are called to help bring stability to the chaos of these wounded lives and help them discover the plans and potential that God has placed in them.

Whether serving hundreds of meals each day, providing thousands of beds each year, offering free residential addiction programs, or equipping the low-income with life skills and job training to advance their careers, we are committed to reflecting the love of Jesus in a way that changes lives and transforms our community. As a nondenominational ministry, we serve our clients regardless of their faith.

‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

– Jesus (gospel of matthew 25:40)

Mother Hugging Daughter in Black and White

While we serve our clients regardless of their beliefs, we are motivated by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Currently, our Rescue services for men, women, and children include providing meals, food boxes, overnight shelter, showers, and clothing. We provide restoration services for men and women that include life counseling, job training, and assistance with transitional services. Formal on-site programs include Success Academy for men and women, Joshua Plan for men, Abba’s Love for women, and Abba’s House for addicted mothers and their babies.

We’re so grateful to our sponsors and partners. Thank you so much for all you do to join, support, and serve our mission.