Jay is learning patience and peace here at the Iron & Oil Men's Recovery Program

Some of my earliest memories are filled with fear. My mom’s boyfriend at the time was violent. He would beat me and sometimes throw me into closets. I don’t know if he was taking his anger out on me instead of beating my mother and sister, but an experience like that is difficult to overcome. That went on until I was about six, when my dad took custody of me.

Life with my dad was steadier, but it wasn’t exactly nurturing. He drank heavily, but thankfully, he wasn’t mean. Without his active influence in my life, I felt like I was always on my own, and by the time I was 14, I had connected with a gang. I was looking for belonging, and I found it in the wrong place. It gave me brothers, but it also pulled me into a life of crime, drugs, and the streets.

At 16, my mom called and told me she had cancer, so I left my dad’s home to take care of her. Later, I found out it wasn’t true—she just wanted me to cover her bills. I started selling drugs to pay for her hotel room while I slept on the streets or on friends’ couches. Even during all of that, I found a way to go to school every day and graduate, but my life was mostly about survival.

Ministry Need of the Month 🍽️

We are in dire need of to-go trays to serve meals to our neighbors in need. These trays allow us to provide hot, nutritious meals to individuals and families who rely on the Mission for daily nourishment. You can help us meet this urgent need by purchasing trays directly through our Amazon Wishlist. Every donation helps us feed our community with care and dignity.

Thank you for being part of this mission!

Coats for the Cold

We are giving out Free Coats and Winter Gear, Saturday Nov 2 at 11am - 1pm to anyone in need!

Location: 225 Patton Ave, Asheville at Western Carolina Rescue Ministries

Volunteer Opportunity: Serve at our “Coats for the Cold” giveaway to provide essential winter items to those in need. We will be giving out hats, gloves, scarves, and jackets to ensure everyone stays warm this winter. Please help us spread the word so we can make sure no one faces the cold unprepared. Volunteers are needed!

Sign up to Volunteer: Coats for the Cold

Thanksgiving-Week of Thankfulness

Each year on Thanksgiving, we have an opportunity to love on our neighbors in need. Holidays are especially hard for our residents so we want to come alongside them by offering some extra love and joy in this season. We serve three days of Thanksgiving meals “restaurant style” to our residents and a special Thanksgiving meal to the homeless.

Monday, Nov. 24 - Wednesday, Nov. 26, 4pm-6pm

For questions, contact Amanda Putnam

Sign up to Volunteer: Week of Thankfulness

Conversations on a Bench: Love Is Not Afraid of the Dark

World Homeless Day | We were live October 9–10, 2025

Last week, Western Carolina Rescue Ministries hosted Conversations on a Bench: Love Is Not Afraid of the Dark—a powerful 24-hour event dedicated to raising awareness about homelessness, addiction, and mental health.

From 3 p.m. on October 9 to 3 p.m. on October 10, Executive Director Micheal Woods sat on a simple bench outside the Mission, welcoming community leaders, staff, clients, and neighbors for honest conversations about struggle, hope, and transformation.

Streaming live across North America, this event reminded us of the power of listening, compassion, and unity. It concluded with a beautiful time of worship and prayer led by Biltmore Church, lifting up those in need across Western North Carolina.

Thank you to everyone who joined us—in person, online, or in prayer. Together, we are proving that love truly is not afraid of the dark.

A Message from Our

Executive Director, Micheal Woods

As we head into the colder months, I want to take a moment to thank you for the incredible support you’ve shown to Western Carolina Rescue Ministries. Because of your generosity, we’re able to live out our mission — to serve God by serving those in need through Rescue, Recovery, and Restoration — every single day. Together, we’ve seen lives transformed, families reunited, and hope restored.

The winter season brings an even greater need for warm shelter, hot meals, and compassionate care for those facing homelessness, hunger, and hardship. I invite you to continue standing with us as we serve our neighbors during this critical time. Your continued support helps us share not only food and shelter but also the love of Christ with everyone who walks through our doors.

With gratitude,

Micheal

Micheal Woods

Executive Director, Western Carolina Rescue Ministries

Physical Location:

225 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 909, Asheville, NC 28802

Phone Number:

828-254-0471