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Asheville Activates Code Purple for Emergency Shelters

Community volunteers at Code Purple emergency shelter in Asheville providing assistance to homeless individuals during winter

News Summary

Asheville has declared a Code Purple to provide emergency overflow shelters for the homeless as temperatures drop below 32 degrees. The Asheville Homeless Coalition has partnered with local shelters to ensure that vulnerable residents have access to warmth and assistance. Transportation services will be available to help individuals reach these shelters, which include ABCCM for men, Transformation Village for women and children, and Safe Shelter for families. The community is encouraged to volunteer and donate supplies to support those in need during the cold winter nights.

Asheville Takes Action: Code Purple Kicks Off Supply Emergency Shelter

As the chilly winds of December sweep through Asheville, the city has taken an important step to provide warmth and safety for its vulnerable residents. The Asheville Homeless Coalition has officially activated a Code Purple, starting Sunday, December 1st. This initiative is a crucial response to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness have access to emergency overflow shelters as the icy temperatures plunge.

What Exactly is Code Purple?

In a nutshell, Code Purple is designed to coordinate additional shelter options whenever temperatures dip below 32 degrees. The participating shelters in Asheville and Buncombe County will be stepping up their game by offering extra beds with fewer requirements than usual. This makes it easier for folks in need to find a warm place to stay during the cold nights.

Each shelter involved in this initiative is also committed to assisting participants in connecting them with ongoing shelter and housing options. This isn’t just about providing a temporary bed; it’s about helping individuals find a more permanent solution to their housing needs.

Transportation Assistance Available

Getting to these emergency shelters should be the last thing on anyone’s mind when temperatures drop. That’s why Community Paramedics and AFD-REST are on hand to offer transportation services for those who can’t utilize public bus transit. Additionally, Mission Hospital has stepped up to facilitate taxi services for discharged patients heading to Code Purple sites, ensuring no one has to brave the cold after receiving care.

The Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) has also organized a shuttle service to and from Transformation Village, with pickups at stop 877 located at the Asheville Outlet Mall. If someone finds themselves in need of a place to stay, it’s good to know there are options available to help them get there.

Participating Shelters

There are several key shelters involved in this lifesaving initiative:

ABCCM for single men at 20 20th Street
Transformation Village for single women and women with children at 30 Olin Haven Way
Safe Shelter specifically for families

If you’re taking public transport, fear not! The ART bus is offering free transit to Code Purple sites at night, as long as riders let the driver know they’re going to a designated site. There are also afternoon shuttle services provided by ABCCM, with departures from Crisis Ministry at 24 Cumberland Ave. at 4 p.m.

The Growing Need for Volunteers

over 30 guests each night during Code Purple, many of whom are staying for the day as well. As a result, there’s an increasing demand for volunteers at both Transformation Village and Veterans Restoration Quarters. Right now, volunteers are needed for intake, driving, supervision, cleaning, and sanitation, especially during these cold Code Purple nights.

For those looking to help, donations of sweatshirts, sweatpants, and snacks are greatly appreciated to support these incoming individuals trying to stay warm and nourished.

A Season of Increased Need

This year has seen an alarming uptick in the number of nights declared as Code Purple, hitting 56 nights since mid-October—much higher than last year. With winter here and temperatures dropping, it’s vital for the community to come together in support of one another.

Get Informed and Participate

For those looking for more information about Code Purple nights, transportation details, or how to get involved, a hotline number has been set up: 828-398-6011. If you’re interested in volunteering, simply reach out to Shannon Paris’s office at 828-398-6985.

As Asheville faces the cold winter months ahead, let’s remember our friends and neighbors in need. Together, we can make a difference in our community. Stay warm, Asheville!