HOMEBASE Set to Expand 

Eight years ago, WCU and Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina collaborated to create HOMEBASE. The program originally supported students who had aged out of foster care or were otherwise independent. Over time it has evolved into a resource that provides a range of services to suit community needs. HOMEBASE now serves as a food pantry, a place to live or simply a place to hang out.  

According to Associate Director Sydney Young, some residents live in the building year-round in exchange for volunteering and working at the front desk.    

Based on data from the HOMEBASE annual report, the number of individual services provided increased by about 25% from 2023 to 2024. HOMEBASE provided roughly 15,000 individual services in 2023 and roughly 20,000 in 2024. Housing services saw a notable increase in the last year. 

“Our housing went from 1,800 nights in 2023 to 2,100 nights in 2024,” Young said.  

Because of WCU Policy 96 and other housing challenges, many students came to HOMEBASE seeking accommodations. Some could not afford an apartment, and others were waitlisted for residence halls. Unfortunately, HOMEBASE did not have enough space for everyone. Young said HOMEBASE had to turn away more than 10 students seeking permanent housing because of a lack of space. 

HOMEBASE is working to resolve the issue. After receiving a grant from Dogwood Health Trust, HOMEBASE plans to partner with the construction management department to convert a nearby home into year-round housing.  

Construction Management professor Christopher Cox said they chose to help with the project after HOMEBASE director Jim Dean reached out to them directly. The department works with the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning to help the WCU community with projects when necessary.  

“Many of our students have either been helped directly by HOMEBASE ministry or know someone who has,” Cox said when asked why his department helped with this project specifically. 

Construction Management students used laser imaging technology and computer modeling to create three potential options for Dean to use in conversation with the architect and donors.  

Going forward, the students will provide project support to the HOMEBASE Team in the contractor selection and project cost and schedule management,” Cox said.  

Young says that when HOMEBASE finishes the expansion, they will be able to offer year-round housing for seven more students.  

While the new house will primarily cater to students who have aged out of foster care and those from Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, it will still offer services to anyone in need.  

Young hopes the project will be completed by August 2025. 

During winter break HOMEBASE prepared for an increase in students needing housing. Many students are unable to return home for the holidays or have nowhere else to go. HOMEBASE housed 12 students during winter break. 

The downstairs dining room was transformed into a sleeping area. Each student was given a mattress, comforter, sheet set, pillow and room divider. They set up mini rooms around the tables using the dividers.  

HOMEBASE also provides winter clothing, a necessity as the temperature drops. Those who need anything from HOMEBASE are encouraged to visit and talk with the staff.  

HOMEBASE is located next to Cullowhee Baptist Church, directly across from the steam plant.