Everyday households in our community face eviction, utility cutoffs, heating fuel shortage and prescription medication needs. Since 2002, Western Crisis Assistance Network (WeCAN) has been providing help to community members who find themselves in these situations. Often, such assistance ultimately prevents a family from becoming homeless. The program coordinator provides guidance and helps the client create a plan for overcoming recurrent situations through information and referrals. Clients served by the program are also offered follow up counseling to help them achieve stability.

 

The need for crisis assistance is great as High Country counties currently have some of the highest rates of poverty in North Carolina. WeCAN continues to see significant increases in the demand for services, especially homelessness prevention. The program relies 100% on donations from faith communities, civic groups and individuals. 

Annually, WeCAN provides assistance to over 1,000 households, administers BREMCO’s Operation Round-Up and Round-Up Plus and NRLP’s Good Neighbor Round-Up Program. 

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To date, WeCAN has provided or arranged for over $2 million in assistance.