The Nicholas Poulos Fund for Rapid Rehousing

Born May 14, 1997, in Atlanta, GA, Nicholas Jay Lehman Poulos died unexpectedly at the age of 28 at his home in Asheville, NC. The first child of Julie Lehman and Michael Poulos, his loss will be felt deeply by his family and so many others who loved him dearly.

In addition to his parents, surviving family members include his brother, Gabe Poulos; grandmother, Judi Lehman; aunts, Eve Poulos Stegner, Naomi Lehman Duncan, and Kerry Lehman Chope; first cousins, Hannah and Haleigh Duncan, Emmaline and Holden Chope; and countless friends with whom he found much delight.

Nicholas was shaped by the communities that nurtured him: Trinity Presbyterian Church of Atlanta; First Presbyterian Church of Asheville; Haw Creek Elementary; Reynolds Middle and High Schools; Queens University; and UNC Asheville (BA, 2023). Sovereign Kava in Asheville became Nicholas’ primary community—the place he visited regularly on Wednesdays for open mic and on Mondays for ping-pong tournaments—the community where he found friendship and support.

From an early age, Nicholas lived life with his heart wide open, fully present in each new experience and relationship, and always ready for more. As the first grandchild, he received abundant love and attention from both sets of grandparents. His early years in Atlanta gave him lots of time with his maternal grandparents, Judi and Ron Lehman (Nana and Papa), and his aunts Naomi and Kerry. He also made regular visits to see his paternal grandparents, Betty and Chris Poulos (YaYa and Papou), and his Aunt Eve in Sumter, SC.

When the family resettled in Asheville in 2002, Nicholas loved everything about his new home. As the son of a pastor, he spent many hours at church, where he made some of his best and longest-lasting friendships. The nurturing, mentoring, affirmation, and encouragement Nicholas received through his church family shaped him profoundly. He participated in children’s ministries and choirs, youth conferences at Massanetta Springs and Montreat, and mission trips in Atlanta, Raleigh, and Guatemala. His experiences volunteering with Room in the Inn, Pritchard Park breakfasts, and Saturday Sanctuary all inspired Nicholas’s dedication to caring for those living on the margins.

Between his years at Queens University and UNC Asheville, Nicholas traveled west and volunteered with Conservation Corps, working as a ranger in Colorado and Utah, and later with AmeriCorps as a volunteer construction manager with Habitat for Humanity in Bend, Oregon. After working at Trails Carolina therapeutic school, he decided to return and finish college at UNCA. While in school, he interned at Homeward Bound’s AHOPE Center and worked at Haywood Congregation’s Respite and Safe Shelter. As a Rapid Rehousing Case Manager at Homeward Bound WNC, he treated his clients with respect, compassion, and a willingness to do what was necessary to help them secure housing.

Nicholas had many passions, but his gift for music is what brought him—and those around him —deep joy. A band kid who always sang in the church choir, he taught himself to play the drums and guitar. He channeled his creative spirit through music, playing weekly at the open mic at Sovereign Kava in Asheville. He also recorded songs and shared them on Spotify.

From childhood, Nicholas struggled with his mental health. He worked diligently with counselors and doctors to manage anxiety and depression. A natural empath, Nicholas loved the world deeply and took its injustices to heart. He was politically engaged and encouraged others of his generation to do the same. Many of his friends say that Nicholas was the first friend they met when they moved to Asheville, what a great listener he was and how he made them feel loved and cared for.

His proud parents offer these lyrics from his song “The Way” to continue his uplifting legacy in you:
So when you see the need for healing,
Show some grace and love unyielding
Cause the hardest part of love,
Is knowing it’s meant for everyone.
And when I lay my head to rest,
I pray my soul be continued blessed
Knowing well I tried my best,
To live in love that manifests
And purpose is in knowing,
You’re here for a reason growing
Finding your own way.

Nicholas’ Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 2:00 p.m. at the Montreat Conference Center’s Anderson Auditorium (303 Lookout Rd., Montreat, NC 28757), with a reception to follow.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend at: https://vimeo.com/event/5722360/34e61baf3d

Homeward Bound has established the Nicholas Poulos Fund for Rapid Rehousing to honor his commitment to serving our community’s most vulnerable neighbors. Contributions can be made through the Homeward Bound website ( https://homewardboundwnc.org/in-memory-of-nicholas-poulos/ ) or by calling (828) 579-3479 to donate and/or volunteer.