ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Eliada Homes is urgently seeking more foster families in the Asheville area as the number of referrals for children needing care continues to outpace available homes.

“There’s just a great need,” said Tara Campuzano, chief development and communications officer for Eliada Homes. “We’re in a period of growth now, especially after COVID-19. During the pandemic, we couldn’t move children in and out of different types of care, and our numbers dwindled. It’s critical we rebuild the program to meet the needs of these children.”

Talia Wisecarver, director of foster care at Eliada, said the need is constant — and increasing.

“We get referrals every day, and unfortunately, we often have to tell them, ‘I’m sorry, we don’t have anywhere for this child,’” Wisecarver said. “We need as many homes as we can get.”

Statewide, the number of children in foster care has remained steady, with about 12,000 children in the North Carolina system at any given time, Wisecarver said. However, she noted seasonal spikes in need, particularly at the beginning and end of the school year.

When it comes to age groups, the demand spans all ranges.

“People often assume we mostly need homes for teens, but lately, we’ve received just as many referrals for children ages 0 to 4 as we have for teenagers,” Wisecarver said. “We truly need homes for all ages. I know a lot of people want to just foster littles, but teens need placement, too.”

For those interested in becoming foster parents, Eliada Homes offers several ways to get started. Prospective families can visit eliada.org/foster-care, call 828-348-3316 or reach out through Eliada’s social media platforms. The online form takes only a few minutes to complete, and staff follow up within 24 business hours.

Eliada staff emphasized that even those not ready to foster can help.

“We always appreciate donations and volunteers,” Campuzano said. “The need is great, and not everyone knows how to step in. This gives the community a way to be part of the solution — even if they’re not ready to foster yet.”