Asheville Implements Code Purple for Emergency Shelter

News Summary

Asheville has announced the launch of a Code Purple effective December 1 to provide emergency overflow shelter for the homeless amid frigid temperatures. This initiative, coordinated by the Asheville Homeless Coalition, aims to extend support and facilitate access to long-term housing solutions during extreme cold weather. Multiple shelters are prepared to accommodate those in need, with transportation services available to ensure individuals can reach safe locations. The community’s collective effort embodies compassion and commitment to protecting its vulnerable members during harsh winter conditions.

Asheville Launches Code Purple for Emergency Overflow Shelter Amid Frigid Cold

Asheville is braving a fierce cold snap, prompting the Asheville Homeless Coalition to announce a Code Purple effective this Sunday, December 1. The aim of this initiative is simple yet crucial: to provide emergency overflow shelter for the city’s homeless population during these dangerously cold temperatures.

What is Code Purple?

Code Purple is a coordinated effort involving shelters across Asheville and Buncombe County, designed to extend support for those experiencing homelessness during emergency situations when temperatures dip below freezing—32 degrees to be exact. This initiative is not just about providing temporary shelter; it’s also about offering people a chance to plan for their long-term housing needs.

Shelters Ready to Help

Multiple shelters are stepping up during this time, ensuring that more beds will be available, often with fewer restrictions than what’s typical for their standard programs. Participating locations include:

• Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) at 20 20th Street, which caters to single men.
• Transformation Village at 30 Olin Haven Way, dedicated to single women and women with children.

At these locations, individuals can find a warm, safe space amid the chilly weather, while also receiving assistance from staff who will help connect them to other ongoing shelter and housing options.

Getting To Safety: Transportation Services

Accessing these shelters is made easier thanks to various transportation services. Community Paramedics and the Asheville Fire Department’s REST program are on hand to help transport those who might have difficulty using public transit. If someone has recently been discharged from Mission Hospital, there’s even taxi service available to get them to the appropriate Code Purple site.

For others, ABCCM is facilitating shuttle service for individuals at stop 877, near the Asheville Outlet Mall, with pickups at Crisis Ministry (24 Cumberland Ave.) at 4 p.m. And if you’re worried about transportation costs? You’re in luck! Rides via Asheville’s ART bus service are completely free during the nights when Code Purple is active. Riders only need to let the driver know they need a free ride to a Code Purple shelter.

Even More Support for Those in Need

Remember that Code Purple is not just a shelter service; it’s a lifeline during these perilous cold nights. Following a Code Purple event, transportation will also be available back to the Coxe Avenue terminal. On weekdays, this service runs from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and on Sundays, it’s available from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

The new emergency shelter, which has been launched thanks to generous donations, is located right next to ABCCM’s Daily Bread soup kitchen, providing daily meals to those in need in West Asheville. This combined effort emphasizes the importance of not just surviving the cold, but thriving through community care.

A Community Effort

As we collectively huddle against the chill, it’s heartwarming to see the community come together to safeguard its most vulnerable members during these extreme weather conditions. The implementation of Code Purple stands as a testament to the compassion and commitment of various organizations, volunteers, and community leaders who are working tirelessly to ensure no one has to face the biting cold alone.

As Asheville faces this cold snap, let’s keep the spirit of kindness alive and support one another in these challenging times. If you’re in a position to help, consider reaching out or donating to local shelters or organizations that might be in need of supplies or volunteers. Together, we can make a significant difference!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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
Asheville Launches Code Purple Initiative to Support Homeless During Winter Months

Additional Resources

• WLOS: Free Transport, Extra Beds as Asheville Activates Code Purple
• Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
• WLOS: ABCCM Now Offering Emergency Code Purple Shelter
• Google Search: Asheville homeless support
• WLOS: Asheville-Buncombe Declare Code Purple as Temps Drop

Author: HERE Asheville