Friendship House

In the heart of Waynesville, Friendship House is quietly doing the kind of work that keeps a community standing—one warm cup of coffee, one clean jacket, and one safe place at a time.

 

Friendship House is many things all at once: a resource hub, day center, and food pantry, open six days a week to anyone who needs it. Inside, neighbors will find hot showers, hot coffee, clothing for men, women, and children, housewares, a food pantry, computers, a resource room, and space for support groups and clinics. On Saturdays, the doors open early for a hot breakfast, served with dignity and fellowship.

 

There’s no paperwork barrier and no price tag. Everything is free.

And most importantly—everyone is welcome.

 

A Place to Belong When Housing Is Hard

 

Housing remains one of the most difficult gaps to navigate in Haywood County. For many neighbors, there are long stretches of the day with nowhere safe or warm to go. Friendship House steps into that gap—not as a solution to every problem, but as a steady, compassionate presence.

 

It’s a place where people can rest, regroup, and be treated like neighbors—not numbers. Staff and volunteers walk alongside individuals facing instability, and they also get to celebrate the wins. One of the most meaningful moments comes when someone who once needed daily support returns after moving into stable housing—shopping for clothes, picking up food, and beginning the next chapter of life.

 

Watching people move from crisis toward stability isn’t just impactful—it’s a privilege.

 

How You Can Help Right Now

 

If you’re wondering how to support Friendship House, the answer is refreshingly practical:

 

“Clean out your closets and pantries,” says Nicole Kott. “Every clean jacket, pots, pans, macaroni, or can of soup helps us meet the basic needs of neighbors in our community. When people don’t have to worry as much about the basics, they can focus on bigger things.”

 

Current Needs Include:

• Heaters (electric & propane)

• Gloves

• Hats

• Blankets

• Scarves

• Jackets

• Long-sleeve shirts

• Pet food

• Canned food

 

They also need volunteers on Saturday mornings to help cook breakfast and serve in the food pantry—simple acts that make a profound difference.

 

Why This Matters

 

Friendship House reminds us that community care doesn’t always look flashy. Sometimes it looks like a warm room, a clean coat, and someone who knows your name.

 

In a season where many neighbors are navigating uncertainty, Friendship House continues to show up—faithfully, compassionately, and without conditions.

 

If you’ve been looking for a tangible way to love Haywood County well, this is one worth knowing about—and supporting.