Doris Foster is a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) and Community Health Worker (CHW) currently serving at Asheville Comprehensive Treatment Center, Ujima (Buncombe County), and Safe Shelter. With a deep commitment to service and advocacy, Doris finds fulfillment in giving back to the community through her work. Her role allows her to support individuals on their path to recovery, promote well-being, and help build stronger, healthier communities.

Karen Hayes-Roberts is a Community Health Worker and NCCPSS at Safe Shelter, where she is dedicated to empowering unhoused families. Having personally experienced homelessness, Karen deeply understands the emotional and practical struggles of this situation. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming adversity, she offers hope and guidance, helping families find peace and encouraging them to move forward toward a brighter future.

I am a dedicated community health worker who is passionate about supporting underserved populations. Growing up in an under-marginalized community, I witnessed firsthand the impact of limited access to healthcare and resources. This inspired me to pursue a role where I can advocate for health equity and empower others through education and outreach. I find purpose in building trust, bridging gaps, and helping individuals lead healthier lives.

My name is Reia Freeze and I am a community health worker with HOME (aka Safe Shelter). I have seen first hand the struggle my community faces when they have little to no access to basic needs such as healthcare, housing, career opportunities and so much more! Growing up in this community I have grown a passion to advocate for change for all who are in need. My goal is to mends the gaps in my community and others with the knowledge and relationships I gain everyday from working in my community. I want to advocate for those who slip through the cracks of the systems we have in place to help them. I truly hope the work I do makes a positive and live changing impact on the people I come across daily.

Richard Montgomery, born , and raised in Detroit Mi moved to Asheville September, 1999 by way of SanDiego.
I am CHW, CPSS. I really enjoy helping people, and working with my hands. I definitely will go the extra mile to support and provide you resources.

Kenneth Foster is an aspiring Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) and Community Health Worker (CHW) dedicated to uplifting individuals and strengthening communities. With a passion for helping people lead productive, drug-free, and crime-free lives, Kenneth focuses on supporting others in their journey toward stability, self-sufficiency, and family reunification. His commitment to service is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and reconnect with what matters most—family, purpose, and community.

Hi my name is Emma and I’m on the Community Health Worker team. I am currently pursuing a Masters of Social Work and hope to one day provide therapy for people experiencing homelessness. I got into this work through an internship at AHOPE which sparked a passion for working towards ending homelessness. I immediately felt welcomed and accepted upon entering Safe Shelter, a feeling I believe our guests share as well. In my free time, I love trail running with my dog and friends, biking, and playing soccer.