I was born in Asheville, and in 1999, when I was 9, my family moved to FL. I was young, so maybe I just wasn't aware of my surroundings, but it seems like it's just full of literal trash and homeless ppl just sleeping in ditches. I do not remember that as a kid. I always dreamt of moving back one day. I visited in 07 at the age of 17 and didn't notice all the trash and homeless ppl. Maybe I was still not aware of my surroundings. Now at 34, I live 2 hours away, and when I visit, the vibe is just gloomy. I went to a walgreens, and they don't even have public restrooms anymore. There was a sign on the trashcan stating, "No syringes." Outside of the walgreens, there were ppl just laying in the ditch with so much trash all around them and used needles. My sister and I went downtown to take pics of a church our grandma took us to and the civic center. It was around 11 at night, and we literally carried a crow bar with us because it was so sketchy. No hate towards the homeless. My parents were homeless not long ago, but my God. Seeing how some of these ppl just leave trash and piss anywhere is insane. I try to give a few dollars or whatever I can when I see homeless ppl because I think of my parents. It just seems that Asheville is out of control. It's such a beautiful downtown area that is over run with trash. Has it always been like this, or is this something that has just developed within the last few years? I can't imagine ever living there, and it's so sad because for years, it was my dream to go back. I understand people go through hard times, but how is there that many? I can't imagine sleeping on the literal sidewalk or sitting at an intersection with a sign. I couldn't. I feel depressed after visiting. I'm so sad for the ppl I saw and sad for the ppl who have to see it every day. Is there any help for these ppl? I can't believe I walked around a city with a crow bar. I really hope these ppl get help and take advantage of any help they can get. I don't even know why I'm posting this. I just feel so sad after being there and hate thinking I used to be proud to be from there and called it home.