Rutherford County has been deeply hurting since the late 1990's when the textile mills began to leave the area. That collective trauma left lasting impacts on every corner of our community. Today, the most visible scars caused by that loss are all around us on those struggling with mental illness, battles with substance use, and homelessness.

Project Acorn is designed to help address the very core of these needs by engaging individuals where they are, and connecting them with the support they will need throughout the entire recovery continuum. Our plan is to develop a comprehensive micro-recovery ecosystem that meets every need for those seeking recovery and wellness. From a low barrier homeless shelter where community resources converge, to a detox and residential treatment facility, to a therapeutic recovery community, and supportive housing neighborhood, Project Acorn will provide access to the full continuum of care.

Our need in this design phase is to work with Withers Ravenel, to visualize and design a complete plan for the property. Withers Ravenel is a respected and accomplished civil engineering firm based in North Carolina. Together, we will work to understand the ideal layout for the project while meeting the highest standards and complying with all ordinances and regulations that govern a project of this magnitude.

The cost associated with this phase of the project is $68,000. This will cover project management, environmental assessment, geomatics (including survey), and design (including layout). With this phase complete, we will be able to move to the architectural phase where we will design our community building, men's dormitory, and women's dormitory for the therapeutic community program overseen by FIRST at Blue Ridge.

We will also be able to simultaneously use this plan to begin site preparation overall infrastructure including the recovery neighborhood.

Please help us reach this goal as quickly as possible so that we can fill this significant gap in services for Rutherford and surrounding counties!

Project Acorn Groundwork (Phase 1)

By Acrn - Allied Comprehensive Recovery Network

Project Acorn Groundwork (Phase 1)

Designing to lay the foundation of Project Acorn - Civil Engineering

Team Members