We gathered around a vision: Blue Note Junction
“Trying to build affordable housing in Asheville — I don’t know if you ever tried, but it’s challenging. It’s challenging. So, we ain’t afraid of no ghost, and we’re trying to make the hustle real.” ~ DeWayne Barton
Where does the name Blue Note Junction come from?
The name Blue Note Junction honors Burton Street’s rich history and the legacy of Edward W. Pearson, known as the “Black Mayor of West Asheville.” Pearson helped shape Burton Street into a center of Black entrepreneurship, agriculture, civic life, and community pride. His work helped create a strong foundation for neighborhood resilience, leadership, and self-determination.
Why does YouthBuild CORE-2 matter?
YouthBuild CORE-2 is a federally funded program that helps young people (ages 16–24) earn a high school diploma, gain hands-on construction skills, build leadership skills, and earn financial incentives. Here’s how the program is helping them build skills, confidence, and a path forward:
Meet KP, a YouthBuild CORE-2 participant!
“How did I get to YouthBuild CORE-2? I was planning to soft drop out of high school and get a job because I wanted to work. Then my nanny told me about this program, and I thought it was a great idea. I had done some things before, like fixing the porch at my girlfriend’s home, but with YouthBuild, I saw that I could get real training, earn credentials, and work toward a real job doing something I liked. What a great opportunity, I thought! This program saved my life.”
Five things to love about Blue Note Junction
During the month of May, we’re raising funds to help launch Blue Note Junction, a community-rooted project that will bring together affordable housing, arts, wellness, and entrepreneurship in the Burton Street neighborhood.
Below are five powerful reasons BNJ matters — and why your support can help bring it to life!
Help Bring Blue Note Junction to Life: A Fundraiser
Join us for an inspiring evening in support of Blue Note Junction, a transformative vision for West Asheville’s Burton Street neighborhood. Blue Note Junction will bring together affordable housing, the arts, wellness, and community-driven entrepreneurship under one roof, with plans for a commercial/commissary kitchen + market, co-working + counseling, an outdoor community spa, performing arts, and retail shops. More than a building, BNJ is designed to be a cornerstone of Western North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and a regenerative investment in community, culture, and local prosperity.
YouthBuild CORE-2 is in full swing!
Our participants are staying busy with educational sessions, leadership development classes, and starting to build tiny homes at WORX Project's campus.
We also welcomed Danielle from Blissful Wizard, HHF's new Resident Wellness Specialist, for movement, grounding, and breathwork exercises to help our youth connect, reset, and build from the inside out.
Thank you, 828 News NOW, for featuring YouthBuild CORE-2
We’re grateful to 828 News NOW for featuring YouthBuild CORE-2 and helping us spread the word about this opportunity for young people in our community. Special thanks as well to Dee Pridgen for taking the time to cover this story and help shine a light on the work being done. We truly appreciate your support in helping us reach more people across Asheville and beyond.
YouthBuild CORE-2 week 2 recap
Participants took important next steps in their journey. They signed their YouthBuild paperwork, were introduced to instructors and classes, and continued getting set up for the educational path that best fits their goals. Some participants began programs like WorkKeys, adult high school courses, and GED classes, while others are still completing the enrollment process.
We’re proud to share that Hood Huggers Foundation has earned the 2026 Gold Seal of Transparency
This recognition reflects our commitment to openness and accountability, and helps you see what your donations make possible. From Blue Note Junction to workforce development programs that open doors to opportunity, your support helps us keep building a stronger community. 💚
Thank you, Mountain Xpress, for featuring Hood Huggers Foundation!
Thank you, Mountain Xpress and Brionna Dallara, for featuring Hood Huggers Foundation and highlighting YouthBuild CORE-2! 💛
We’re proud to be part of a program that helps young people ages 16–24 access GED preparation, hands-on construction training, leadership development, individualized support, and real career pathways.
YouthBuild CORE-2 week 1: Mental Toughness
Mental Toughness is the first step in the YouthBuild journey, a hands-on introduction that helps both participants and the program decide if it’s the right fit. Taking place this week, this experience gave young people the chance to build confidence, make connections, and show their readiness for enrollment.
Thank you to our J. Crew volunteers!
A group of volunteers from the J.Crew Distribution Center recently spent time working at the Peace Gardens. On top of that, J.Crew employees also organized a bake sale and raised $500 for HHF, which was matched dollar for dollar by J.Crew, bringing that gift to $1,000. And there’s more.💫 Their team also received confirmation that 27 volunteer hours were converted into dollars through the J.Crew Giving site, resulting in three separate donations of $225 each, for a total of $675. Thank you!
Congratulations to Zee!
Through our Under Instruction Referral Program, he landed a job with Mr. Rooter Plumbing, and we couldn’t be prouder. The UI Referral Program is a career connector: we match participants (ages 18+) with employers who offer paid, hands-on job training plus leadership development in real-world settings. Unlike a structured cohort, this track moves at the pace of your career goals: flexible, personalized, and built around what you’re working toward.
Spring Fling 2026 is coming!
Every year, we host a family-friendly spring celebration that is free to the community and includes live music, local vendors, food trucks/vendors, libations, and the Peace Gardens and Market BIG plant sale. Spring Fling an incredibly magical and fun day filled with music, food, community, and PLANTS! 🪴
Beautiful illustrations from Karine Rupp-Stanko
Karine Rupp-Stanko gifted us some beautiful illustrations of the Burton Street Community. Thank you, Karine! 🌷💗
Jeremiah’s HH story told by his mom, Latonya
The very first time he saw DeWayne “B-Love” Barton, co-founder of Hood Huggers Foundation, Jeremiah was just a kid playing basketball at the Burton Street community center with a friend. DeWayne noticed him, struck up a conversation, and invited him to get involved in the community.
Meet Tah
Tah is 22, and he is building a future with purpose. After earning his GED, he's been accepted into Warren Wilson College, where he plans to study environmental engineering.
“I want to study environmental engineering because you get to work on the land and heal it, plant trees, and make sure nobody messes anything up. That’s gonna be very cool, like a ranger, but on steroids.”
Congratulations to our participants!
They completed their participation in the 2025-2026 Hood Huggers Foundation's Under Instruction Program! We're very proud of their commitment, perseverance, and growth. We celebrated the only way that felt right: pizza, a fun afternoon at Retrocade, and diplomas!
What’s the connection between our workforce development programs and Blue Note Junction?
“Blue Note Junction is the top of the flower. The peace garden is the root; it’s how we started, it’s the dirt, but Blue Note Junction is the flower that everybody will see. That flower will provide a lot of different opportunities for not only the community that lives here, but also for travelers and tourists alike.”