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Asheville Activates Code Purple for Freezing Winter Temperatures

A beautifully lit Emergency Shelter as part of Asheville's Code Purple initiative.

News Summary

Asheville has launched a Code Purple initiative starting December 1 to provide emergency shelter as temperatures drop below freezing. The program aims to coordinate overflow shelter for the homeless and participating shelters will offer more beds and fewer requirements to ensure everyone has a warm place to stay. Critical shelters include the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry and Transformation Village. Transportation services are also being provided to help those in need. This initiative emphasizes community support during the challenging winter months.

Asheville Issues Code Purple Amidst Freezing Temperatures

Asheville has answered the chilling call of winter by activating a Code Purple initiative, which will kick off this Sunday, December 1. With temperatures predicted to dip below freezing, this program is set to provide crucial emergency shelter for those who need it most in Asheville and Buncombe County.

What is Code Purple?

The idea behind Code Purple is pretty straightforward but essential: it’s a way to coordinate overflow shelter for the homeless, ensuring there’s a warm bed available during the frigid nights. Participating shelters will open their doors wider than usual, offering more beds and fewer requirements, aiming to make the process of seeking shelter as smooth as possible.

Key Participating Shelters

Several critical shelters are part of this lifesaving effort, including:

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) at 20 20th Street – catering to single men.
ABCCM’s Transformation Village at 30 Olin Haven Way – providing shelter for women and women with children.

Transportation Services

Accessibility is essential, especially when the weather turns harsh. ABCCM is providing shuttle services, with pickups at the Crisis Ministry located at 24 Cumberland Ave. at 4 p.m. Furthermore, free bus transit through ART will be available to and from the Code Purple sites during the night and again the following morning.

If you need a lift back to Coxe Ave terminal, don’t worry! Morning transportation is offered on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. This ensures everyone can get to safety.

Visibility and Awareness

As a visual reminder and to raise awareness, the Register of Deeds and the HHS building will be illuminated with purple lights. This shimmering glow will signify to residents that resources are available for those in need.

Ongoing Support and Needs

The Code Purple events are scheduled to last at least until Friday, November 22, but with temperatures continuing to drop, they might extend through Saturday, November 23. Anyone looking for more information can reach a dedicated hotline at 828-398-6011.

As the chill sets in, shelters are already experiencing an uptick in attendance. For example, the Transformation Village has noticed more women and families seeking refuge from the cold. In fact, this year has seen an increase in Code Purple nights, amassing a total of 56 nights since mid-October.

Additionally, the Veterans Restoration Quarters, which caters to men, has reported significant spikes in occupancy compared to the previous season. This rising demand has prompted shelters to rollout plans for using more space and adding extra cots to accommodate more guests.

Join the Effort

As we embrace this community-driven initiative, volunteers are stepping up to help with intake, supervision, transportation, and sanitation needs at Code Purple facilities. There’s always room for more helping hands! Plus, the shelters are on the lookout for donations. Items like clothing and snacks can make a world of difference to individuals utilizing these vital services.

As the winter months unfold, officials are preparing for regular Code Purple declarations to combat the cold effectively. This initiative highlights how Asheville comes together in times of need, making sure that no one has to face the bitter cold alone.