From Staff Reports 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry is launching a $32 million project to rebuild and expand the severely damaged Veterans Restoration Quarters on Tunnel Road, with FEMA providing roughly 75 percent of the funding for the first phase. 

Tropical Storm Helene on Sept. 27, 2024 reportedly filled the facility with 5 to 6 feet of mud, leaving it vacant ever since.

Following are the rebuild project details:

• The damage: Helene flooded the Veterans Restoration Quarters at 1329 Tunnel Road with several feet of mud, destroying vital living quarters for local homeless veterans.

• The funding: The total $32 million cost features major financial backing from FEMA, which is set to cover about 75 percent of phase one expenses.

• Expansion and services: The massive rebuild goes beyond repairs to expand capacity, adding integrated workforce training, expanded veteran support services, and roughly 250 transitional housing beds.

• Timeline: Community leaders and organization officials will hold the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new development at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 13 at 1329 Tunnel Road. 

• Phase 1 of the rebuild, which will include a new residential building and a commercial kitchen, is projected to be completed by December 2027.