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A PATHWAY TO HOPE
When times are tough, our community builds hope and a path to a better future.
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When housing costs too much, we see the impact on neighbors who come to IAM for help. Since 2019, the cost of housing has increased by a staggering 85%.* In Henderson County, almost half (48%) of renters have difficulty affording their homes. This translates to 5,489 households in 2026. Statistics show that a family needs an annual income of $62,680 to afford a two-bedroom apartment in Henderson County priced at $1,567 per month.
Many of our neighbors can't afford that rent, even when they are working. And when an emergency strikes, a car breaks down, or a job is lost, many are threatened with eviction. Last year, 581 families in Henderson County faced an eviction filing.**
The problem is huge, but there is hope. We see extraordinary acts of generosity from compassionate neighbors who take action to meet the needs around them. Trinity Presbyterian Church has generously provided a $10,000 matching gift to launch Building Hope: Keep Neighbors in Their Homes, a community matching challenge.
Every eligible community gift will be matched dollar for dollar, with the goal of raising an additional $10,000 and creating $20,000 in housing assistance for local neighbors facing a housing crisis. IAM will use these funds to assist the many clients who come through our doors needing help with rent or housing costs.
Please consider making a gift now! The Building Hope campaign will only be available through October 31.
*U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, "Fair Market Rents"
**2026 NC Housing Coalition Data
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Our Community Steps Up
Thank you to Knights of Columbus and Carriage Park
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Hope becomes real when our community steps up with acts of generosity.
First, a heartfelt thank you to Tom Berstene, the Knights of Columbus, and the congregation of Immaculate Conception! When we see those blue bags come through our doors, we know exactly what they mean. The Knights of Columbus quarterly food drive once again delivered over 2,500 pounds of food to IAM. This is what faithful, committed partnership looks like. Year after year, drive after drive, they show up for our neighbors in a big way.
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IAM also extends a big thank you to the Carriage Park community for hosting the third year of Art in the Park. The event brings together artists from the Carriage Park community as well as a few select artists outside of the neighborhood. They donate beautiful items that are then displayed for sale and auctioned to benefit IAM. Thank you to all the participants in this creative fundraiser for IAM!
| Volunteers Make A Difference! | |
Volunteer Spotlight
Gloria Peeples
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Gloria Peeples has been a dedicated part of the IAM Thrift Store family from the very beginning - even before the store opened its doors! She helped sort and price donations and played a key role in getting the store ready to open.
Today, Gloria continues to volunteer three days a week, bringing her positive attitude, energy, and willingness to make a difference. Thank you, Gloria, for your dedication and countless hours of service!
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Volunteers Needed!
Do you have a few hours to give?
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IAM is deeply grateful to the committed volunteers who help out in the thrift store, clothing closet, food pantry, or conduct intake interviews. Currently, we have a critical need for more volunteers, especially in our busy thrift store and clothing closet.
Do you have some time to give? It is fun, rewarding, and you will make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors!
Learn more by emailing volunteer@iam-hc.org or calling 828-697-7029 ext. 224.
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Holiday Food and Coat Drive
Your donations will help our neighbors in need enjoy the holiday season
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It's that meaningful time of year again when IAM asks for donations of holiday foods to help our neighbors enjoy a special meal at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Between November 16 and December 23, IAM is running a special Holiday Food Drive. Beginning in mid-November, each household visiting IAM will be offered a special food box filled with traditional, culturally appropriate holiday foods. Boxes will be available while supplies last.
Please help us ensure that our neighbors in need can prepare a warm holiday meal for their families. Click below for a list of seasonal food items that are requested and share this list with your friends, neighbors, and church members.
Also, cold weather is approaching and IAM's annual Winter Coat Drive will provide warm winter coats for our neighbors who need them. Between October 19 and January 29, we are accepting donations of gently used coats and jackets that are washable, not dry-clean only.
Food and coat donations are accepted at IAM, Monday - Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Please call 828-697-7029 for more information or to schedule a large pick-up.
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Hunger Walk Raises Funds and Hope for Hungry Families
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On a sunny September day, hundreds of enthusiastic folks, including IAM supporters, staff, and volunteers, walked a few miles to raise funds and make a difference for neighbors facing hunger. The 44th Annual Henderson County Hunger Walk took place on September 19th, starting at Lennox Station in Hendersonville.
The Hunger Walk, sponsored by the Henderson County Hunger Coalition, is one of Henderson County’s longest-running community efforts to fight hunger. Funds raised will be distributed among local nonprofit organizations - including IAM - helping provide food and other essential assistance to neighbors struggling to make ends meet.
A big thank you to the Henderson County Hunger Coalition, everyone who participated in the walk, and our friends at Carolina Village Retirement Community who held their own Hunger Walk on September 18th!
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IAM was pleased to host the September meeting of United Way of Henderson County's Rising Leaders. This is a program designed to help the next generation of community leaders gain the skills and tools needed to connect as board members and volunteers with the nonprofit community. Sessions include an opportunity to visit local nonprofit organizations and see their work firsthand.
IAM Executive Director Matt Hutcherson spoke to the group about IAM's mission and work, and the group also heard from representatives of United Way, Pisgah Legal, and the Disaster Recovery Partnership. We are fortunate to have a vibrant and healthy nonprofit community in Henderson County whose members are committed to collaboration and mutual support. It was wonderful to see new nonprofit leaders and volunteers learn about how they can best serve their community!
| | Bid on IAM's Bearfootin' Bear! | |
It's almost here! Bidding for the 2026 Bearfootin' Bears goes live on October 8th. The annual Hendersonville Bear Auction combines local artists, nonprofits and the community to create an interactive art walk downtown and raise funds for community nonprofits. Click below to learn more and how to bid on IAM's "Remem-Bear Me" Bear, inspired by Mexican Día de los Muertos traditions of remembrance and connection.
Many thanks to artist Anthony Acosta-Oveido, IAM's Food Service Director, and our sponsor, United Community Bank. Remem-Bear Me honors the past, celebrates the present, and reflects the strength of the community we continue to build together.
| What IAM Needs This Month | | |
PANTRY NEEDS
Turkey Gravy • Yams • Stuffing • Evaporated Milk • Cream of Mushroom • Mashed Potatoes • Cranberry Sauce • Cake Mix • Icing • Pie Crust • Pie Filling
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CLOTHING NEEDS
King & Queen Blankets • Sheets: King & Queen • Kids Winter Jackets • Men's & Women's Winter Jackets & Coats • Men's & Women's Winter Clothes • Men's Pants Sizes 28-34 • Men's Clothing Small and Medium • Men's Athletic Shoes & Boots • Women's Athletic Shoes & Boots • Kid's Athletic Shoes & Boots • Winter Hats and Gloves for Adults and Kids • New Underwear for Whole Family • Large and Medium Suitcases • Tents and Tarps
| | What Your Generosity Means to Our Neighbors | | Every gift to IAM helps provide essential assistance to neighbors across Henderson County. Through strong community partnerships and careful stewardship, your generosity stretches farther than you might imagine. For example, when used to support our food programs, your gift can provide the equivalent of: | | |
Interfaith Assistance Ministry
PO Box 2562
Hendersonville, NC 28793
Phone: (828) 697-7029
www.iam-hc.org
Follow IAM On Facebook and Instagram
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