Community facilities open to provide warmth during Asheville's Code Purple initiative.
Asheville is preparing for colder temperatures by declaring a Code Purple on January 14, 2025. This initiative will open emergency overflow shelters to protect vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness. With accessible facilities, free transportation services, and dedicated community resources, the program aims to provide warmth and safety. ABCCM’s shelters are ready to accommodate families, while a hotline has been set up to keep the public informed about the initiative.
Exciting news for the residents of Asheville! As the temperatures dip and the chilling winds blow, our city has swiftly jumped into action to protect those most vulnerable in our community. Announcing a Code Purple on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Asheville and Buncombe County are rolling out emergency overflow shelters where our neighbors experiencing homelessness can seek warmth and safety.
What exactly is Code Purple, you ask? It’s an initiative aimed at providing essential shelter for individuals who are experiencing homelessness during extreme weather conditions. Participating shelters will open their doors wide to accommodate more beds than usual, which means fewer barriers to entry compared to other programming. Yes, you heard that right! This allows us to extend a hand to those who need it the most.
Accessibility is a big focus for this effort! Both ABCCM locations are designed to be handicap accessible, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to find shelter. Additionally, Safe Shelter will be available to chat with families about any specific accessibility needs during the referral process, making this initiative inclusive for all!
Getting to these shelters has been made easier with free bus transit services through ART. For those in need of a lift, the buses will be operational from 3:20 PM to 8:00 PM on the day of the event. It’s a chance for individuals to find warmth without worrying about the expense of taxi fares or other transport costs.
Need a ride back? Not to worry! The transit service will also operate the following morning, providing transportation from the shelters back to the Coxe Ave terminal. Weekday and Saturday services will run from 6 AM to 9:30 AM, while Sunday rides will be available from 8 AM to 10:45 AM. It’s important to note that if there’s no Code Purple declared for that night, inbound service will not be available after the designated times. But if Code Purple extends over multiple days, ART will keep the wheels rolling throughout the day!
For those planning to hop on the bus, please ensure that your backpacks and belongings do not obstruct aisles or seats. Safety is paramount, and items in the way may result in being denied service. Bus drivers have the authority to ask passengers to leave the bus if they are displaying disruptive or threatening behavior. Let’s keep it friendly out there, folks!
Community Paramedics and AFD-REST are readily available to assist with transportation for those unable to utilize bus services. Plus, if any patients are discharged from Mission Hospital, taxi services to Code Purple shelters will be available to help them reach safety.
As for where individuals can find shelter, ABCCM has relocated its men’s shelter to 20 20th Street due to past damage from Hurricane Helene. Meanwhile, women and children are being welcomed at Transformation Village, a dedicated space aimed at providing comfort and safety.
To ensure our community stays informed, a dedicated hotline has been established! For facilities and general information regarding Code Purple, folks can dial 828-398-6011. Additionally, the lighting at the Register of Deeds and Health & Human Services building will shine brightly to signal when Code Purple is in effect, helping to raise awareness in the community.
It’s heartening to see Asheville come together with a plan to protect those in need during these harsh winter conditions. With collaborative efforts and community spirit, we can provide shelter, warmth, and support to every person in need. So, if you or someone you know will benefit from the Code Purple initiative, be sure to take advantage of the resources and stay warm this winter!
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