Buncombe County Activates Code Purple Amid Cold Snap

News Summary

Buncombe County has activated Code Purple in response to a severe cold snap, providing additional shelter beds and free transport for the homeless. Local shelters have increased capacity to accommodate the rising need for warmth, while efforts continue to manage budget challenges following Hurricane Helene. Residents are urged to prepare for a presidential visit causing traffic disruptions.

 

Buncombe County Takes Action as Extreme Cold Hits

As Buncombe County braces itself for a **shiver-inducing** cold snap this week, the local authorities have activated Code Purple on Thursday, January 23. This initiative aims to ensure that those experiencing homelessness have a safe haven from the frigid temperatures.

More Shelter Beds and Resources Available

Participating shelters are stepping up to the plate by increasing their bed availability and lowering entry requirements, ensuring that even more individuals can find a warm spot to rest. The community’s need is spiking, and these shelters are determined to help as many people as possible! The dedicated shelters include ABCCM for single men, its Transformation Village for women and women with children, and the Safe Shelter focused on families. However, it’s worth noting that many of these facilities are feeling overwhelmed with the current demand, often resulting in crowded conditions, particularly at ABCCM.

Easy Transportation to Safety

To support those needing shelter, the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) is providing free bus rides to these Code Purple shelters. Anyone hopping on a bus just needs to inform the driver that they are headed to a Code Purple site. This way, getting to safety is much more manageable during these nippy days!

Light Up the Night with Purple

As a visually striking way to raise awareness, the Register of Deeds office and the Health and Human Services building at 40 Coxe Ave. will be glowing in purple lights during the Code Purple activation. This is a reminder of the urgent need for support as temperatures plummet.

Heads Up for Presidential Visit Traffic

Looking ahead, residents should also be aware of significant traffic disruptions expected on Friday due to a presidential visit. This will particularly affect travel between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., so planning ahead for road closures is highly advised!

Buncombe County’s Budget Challenges

In addition to dealing with the cold, Buncombe County’s leadership is also focused on various financial challenges. The County Manager recently updated residents about projected losses between $15-25 million in unrealized revenues for FY25, mainly due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. To tackle this, the county has enacted a $17.6 million expenditure reduction plan. Efforts are now underway to balance recovery needs for the upcoming fiscal year while maintaining a strong bond rating.

Storm Recovery Support on the Way

On the road to recovery, Buncombe County is rolling out a series of drop-in sessions designed to connect residents with personalized support for storm recovery. This includes **resource connections** for housing assistance and mental health services, addressing the needs left in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

FEMA and Other Assistance Programs

Hurricane Helene survivors have until February 6 to apply for FEMA assistance, while the disaster energy assistance program is still available to help residents with utility bills and heating costs. Furthermore, FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance continues to offer temporary hotel stays for displaced individuals through May 26, 2025.

Trash Collection and Cleanup Efforts

In response to the overwhelming debris from Hurricane Helene, over 806,000 cubic yards of waste have been cleared from public right-of-ways, thanks to the hard work of 29 trucks involved in collection efforts. Residents should note that a second collection pass is beginning soon, and cleanup for vehicles and vessels will commence by the end of January 2025, with waterway debris removal set to follow in February.

Community Support Continues

Community Care Stations offering resources such as showers and laundry services are also available at various locations. As the Code Purple shelters navigate their critical role, volunteers are stepping in to help but are experiencing fatigue from the ongoing efforts.

For anyone in need of shelter or those wishing to offer their help, reaching out to the Code Purple hotline at 828-398-6011 can make a world of difference during this chilly stretch.

 

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Asheville Implements Code Purple for Emergency Shelter
Buncombe County Schools Face Significant Budget Cuts
Asheville Initiates Code Purple to Aid Homeless During Winter
Asheville Prepares for Annual Point-in-Time Count for Homelessness
Asheville Community Addresses Future of Education
Western North Carolina Schools Adjust to Severe Winter Weather
Cold Snap Hits Western North Carolina This New Year’s Weekend!
Asheville Braces for Heavy Rainfall Following Hurricane Helene
Asheville Activates Code Purple for Freezing Winter Temperatures
Arrest in Asheville Cold Case: Juan Jose Bernal-Ramirez Detained

Additional Resources

• WLOS: Buncombe County Shelters Crowded Amid Freezing Weather
• Fox Carolina: Code Purple Issued for Buncombe Co. Due to Cold Weather
• WLOS: Free Transport, Extra Beds as Asheville Activates Code Purple
• Google Search: Buncombe County Code Purple
• Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States