BOONE, N.C. — Homelessness is on the rise in the North Carolina mountains. Shelters are at capacity nearly all year round.

The 2020 High Country Point-in-Time Count found nearly 400 people in our mountain counties were battling homelessness, and that number continues to rise every year.

What You Need To Know

  • Homelessness is on the rise in the mountains

  • One musician is living in his van to better his life

  • He plays on King Street every day to save money for a wooden violin

Being homeless was a choice for Timothy Kelley to better his life. He lives in his van with only the absolute necessities inside.

"I've got my mattress and a little bed frame in here," Kelley said. "I go around like this and I'll find somewhere to park."

He enjoys staying somewhere near the woods, but admits it's not always possible and parking lots are the next best thing. It's a place to call his own, he says, and also where he keeps his prized guitar.

"When you have dreams you got to sacrifice and work for it, and this is my sacrifice," Kelley said.

They're sacrifices he's willing to make to get more instruments. Kelley is currently playing daily on King Street to raise money, and his electric fiddle is unmistakable.

"I come from a big family that every one of my siblings plays instruments," Kelley said.

Kelley and his four brothers and sisters were home schooled. They learned how to play instruments in their country home after Kelley saw a man on television playing a violin and wanted to give it a try.

He says it was quiet where they lived and there wasn't much to do, so the siblings started a band and began touring the country. Eventually Timothy broke out on his own.

He is now living out of his vehicle and playing every day to save enough money for a wooden violin.

"Music is powerful because you have an audience's undivided attention, and it's so powerful because it can bring joy, tears, healing. I feel like music has changed peoples lives," Kelley said. "Seeing somebody come by and filled with joy or seeing somebody come by and listen, honest and goodness makes me as happy as a tip."

Editor's note: This story has been edited to remove a quote that didn’t comply with Spectrum News’ Standards and Practices. (July 18, 2024)