Asheville’s Code Purple Initiative Aims to Protect the Homeless

Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Community members gather at a shelter during winter for warmth and support.

News Summary

As winter approaches, Asheville introduces the Code Purple initiative through the Asheville Homeless Coalition to provide additional shelter and transportation for the homeless. Starting December 1st, the program collaborates with various local shelters to ensure those in need have access to warmth and safety during the colder months. With expanded bed availability and transportation assistance, the initiative reflects the community’s commitment to vulnerable populations in harsh winter conditions.

Asheville Takes Action to Protect the Homeless Amid Winter Chill

As the beautiful city of Asheville gears up for the colder months, the Asheville Homeless Coalition has stepped in to roll out a crucial initiative called Code Purple, starting Sunday, December 1st. This emergency plan aims to provide extra shelter and transportation for individuals experiencing homelessness.

What is Code Purple?

So, what exactly is Code Purple? At its heart, this initiative is all about collaboration. It brings together various shelters and organizations across Asheville and Buncombe County to ensure that no one is left out in the cold during these chilly winter nights. The goal is simple yet vital: to offer emergency overflow shelter that goes above and beyond the usual offerings. During Code Purple, participating shelters will have more beds available and reduced requirements to make it easier for folks in need to find a warm place to stay.

Where Can People Go?

Some of the main shelters involved in Code Purple include:

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) at 20 20th Street – catering to single men.
ABCCM’s Transformation Village at 30 Olin Haven Way – serving single women and women with children.
The Salvation Army – location details can be checked for participation.

This expanded capacity will help ensure that even those who might not usually qualify for help can find warmth and safety during the biting cold.

Transportation Assistance for All

What’s more, the program is making transportation accessible for those who might be having trouble getting to these shelters. Community paramedics and the AFD-REST are standing by to offer rides, especially for those who can’t catch a bus. Plus, if someone is leaving Mission Hospital, they can hop on a taxi service directed specifically to the Code Purple sites.

For added convenience, ABCCM will run a shuttle service to and from Transformation Village at the Asheville Outlet Mall. There’s even a free shuttle service that picks people up at the Crisis Ministry, located at 24 Cumberland Ave., every day at 4 p.m. This generous offering means that keeping warm isn’t just a dream but a reality for those who need it most.

Free Bus Transit Options

For those using the local bus service, ART is extending its hand during the Code Purple initiative too. Free bus transit to Code Purple sites will be available during the night hours. If someone needs to access these shelters, they just have to let the bus driver know they require free transport. Getting back to the Coxe Ave terminal is also facilitated during specific morning hours, making it a smooth process.

A Community Rallying Together

BeLoved Asheville, are actively gathering and distributing warm clothing and supplies to those in dire need. As temperatures dive and the weather remains wet, the urgency to help is clear. Members of the community are encouraged to pitch in by contributing to street pantries and engaging in acts of kindness that can make a significant difference for those facing homelessness.

More Than Just a Shelter

In the end, Code Purple is a crucial lifeline, offering much-needed safety during harsh winter conditions. Its rollout illustrates a heartfelt commitment to ensuring that everyone in Asheville can find refuge when the weather turns painfully cold. Together, through empathy and community spirit, the hope is that no one will be left to face the bitter cold alone.