Empowering communities through recovery, opportunity, and support in Western North Carolina
About Us
Restoration House WNC is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals and families to overcome obstacles, achieve recovery, and build stronger futures. We offer innovative programs and compassionate support while addressing the social determinants of health. The Day Center provides showers, laundry, food, crisis support, and a safe place for anyone in need. We walk alongside people facing homelessness, hardship, and recovery, offering dignity, stability, and hope in the heart of our community. Our goal is to foster resilience and create opportunities for everyone in Swain County and its surrounding rural communities.
Empower at-risk populations by providing sustainable solutions that cultivate long-term stability and self-sufficiency. By addressing the social determinants of health, we can unlock their potential and create pathways to a brighter future. Together, we can foster resilience, dignity, and thrive in our communities!
Our Mission
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Compassion
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Equity
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Collaboration
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Respect
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Integrity
〰️ Compassion 〰️ Equity 〰️ Collaboration 〰️ Respect 〰️ Integrity
Our Story
Restoration House WNC was founded in 2015 in response to a growing need for coordinated social services in Swain County and surrounding rural communities. The organization began within the caring ministry of Bryson City United Methodist Church, led by Pastor Wayne Dickert and Catherine Gantt, who recognized that many individuals facing hardship lacked a central place to find support, resources, and connection.
What started as a small outreach effort quickly grew into a community-driven initiative focused on meeting immediate needs while helping individuals build long-term stability. From this vision, the Resource Day Center was created as a welcoming hub where individuals could access food, hygiene services, case management, and navigation support in a safe and respectful environment.
Today, Restoration House continues to serve as a trusted community partner, walking alongside individuals experiencing hardship and working to strengthen stability, wellness, and hope across our region. While our programs have grown, our mission remains rooted in compassion, dignity, and relationship-centered support.
In 2019, a generous donation of a building marked a significant milestone in our journey, enabling us to establish a dedicated cold weather shelter. This expansion enhanced our capabilities and strengthened our commitment to serving as a pillar of support, providing shelter, nourishment, and pathways to stability for those in need. At Restoration House WNC, we are more than just a service provider; we are a community-driven mission focused on uplifting and empowering the lives of our neighbors.