Asheville Implements Code Purple Emergency Shelters

News Summary

Asheville has initiated a Code Purple to protect individuals experiencing homelessness from extreme cold. Starting December 1, local shelters will offer more beds and fewer eligibility requirements for those in need. Transportation services and warm clothing are also being provided to ensure everyone’s safety during the chilly season.

Asheville Takes Action Against the Cold with Code Purple Emergency Shelters

Asheville is stepping up to ensure that those experiencing homelessness have a safe and warm place to stay as the temperatures plummet. Starting Sunday, December 1, the Asheville Homeless Coalition has declared a Code Purple to provide a coordinated response to the severe cold weather impacting the area. This initiative is a lifeline for many, offering emergency overflow shelter during the chilly months.

What is Code Purple?

Code Purple is more than just a term; it represents a community effort. Participating shelters across Asheville and Buncombe County will join forces to make sure that anyone in need can find refuge from the biting cold. During this program, folks will have access to more beds, and luckily, there will be fewer eligibility requirements compared to regular shelter stays. This means a greater chance for individuals to find warmth and safety when they need it most.

The Shelters Involved

There are several key shelters that are opening their doors wider during Code Purple:

• Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) is available for single men at 20 20th Street.
• ABCCM Transformation Village welcomes single women and women with children at 30 Olin Haven Way.
• The Salvation Army is also stepping in as an additional shelter location.

Getting There Made Easy

To make it easier for people to reach these warm havens, transportation services are being provided during the Code Purple period. Here’s how you can get around:

• For those near the Crisis Ministry at 24 Cumberland Ave., there’s a shuttle service provided by ABCCM that departs at 4 p.m.
• The Asheville Redefines Transit (ART) is offering free bus rides to and from Code Purple sites at night and heading back downtown the following morning, though you’ll need to have some form of identification for the free rides.
• If someone is discharged from Mission Hospital, taxi services will be available to take them to the nearest Code Purple sites.

Accessibility for All

All participating Code Purple shelters are designed to be handicap accessible, and Safe Shelter will also provide additional resources for anyone requiring unique accessibility accommodations. The aim is to make sure everyone gets the help they need during these harsh winter conditions.

Warm Clothing and Essentials

Organizations like BeLoved Asheville are stepping up to provide warm clothing and essential items to those in need. The community’s caring nature shines as local groups rally to support our most vulnerable neighbors during this cold season.

Rising Need for Shelter

This warm initiative comes at a crucial time, especially considering that Asheville’s annual census showed 573 individuals experiencing homelessness, with 171 of them reported as unsheltered. Since mid-October, there have already been 56 reported Code Purple nights, highlighting the rising demand for emergency shelter.

Volunteer Opportunities Abound

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can call Shannon Paris’s office at 828-398-6985 to learn more about the various opportunities available. Additionally, the dedicated Code Purple hotline at 828-398-6011 is ready to provide information on operations and transportation services during this initiative.

As winter embraces Asheville, the community’s response through Code Purple serves as a heartfelt reminder of the compassion and support available for those in need. Let’s work together to keep our neighbors warm, safe, and cared for this season.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Buncombe County Activates Code Purple Amid Cold Snap
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 Activates Code Purple for Freezing Winter Temperatures
Arrest in Asheville Cold Case: Juan Jose Bernal-Ramirez Detained
Asheville Launches Code Purple Initiative to Support Homeless During Winter Months
Asheville Launches Code Purple Initiative to Provide Emergency Shelter for the Homeless
Hundreds of new shelter beds, housing units planned as part of $30M ABCCM expansion

Additional Resources

• WLOS: Free Transport, Extra Beds as Asheville Activates Code Purple
• Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
• WLOS: Asheville’s Code Purple Shelters Open
• Google Search: Code Purple homelessness
• Spectrum Local News: Code Purple Preparation
• Britannica: Shelter
• WLOS: Urgent Need for Code Purple Volunteers
• Google Scholar: Homeless Shelter Initiatives