Area shelters declare ‘Code Purple’ until Dec. 1 due to extreme cold

From the city of Asheville:

In response to anticipated wintry weather, area shelters will offer emergency cold weather services to people who are currently experiencing homelessness and would not otherwise have a safe, warm place to stay. To minimize risk to people in Asheville and Buncombe County, when the temperature falls below 32 degrees (or the equivalent with the wind chill factor) area shelters will designate a CODE PURPLE.

Persons experiencing homelessness will have the opportunity to come inside and warm up during the day, even if a shelter would typically be closed. Extra floor, cot, and bed space will be available at overnight shelters to ensure that no one has to stay outside. Shelters are encouraging emergency workers and police to urge people outside at night to come inside.

AGENCY CONTACT POPULATION CODE PURPLE SERVICES
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries Michael Woods mike@westerncarolinarescue.org 254-1529 Men, women, children Overflow night beds; daytime chapel space
Veterans’ Restoration Quarters Tim Melton and Michael Reich Michael.reich@abccm.org 259-5333 Men Overflow night beds
Salvation Army Sue Hollifield Sue.Hollifield@uss.salvationarmy.org253-4723 Men, women, children Overflow night beds
Homeward Bound Asia James asia@hbofa.org 252-8883 Men, women, children A HOPE Day Center open 7 a.m. – Noon every day

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