I recently used the showers and facilities run by the American Red Cross at Innsbruck Mall. It was a good experience. The showers were hot; the porta potties were clean. I grabbed some water and tuna on the way out. I imagine the laundry facilities are just as good.
Why can’t we make this a permanent fixture? The dignity of a hot shower and clean clothes was made evident in the wake of Hurricane Helene. They are a human right.
The current operation is large and can accommodate many people. But even a quarter of its current size could help ameliorate longer-term poverty and address emergency needs for those who will inevitably face hardship as we recover. The location is great, and the Innsbruck Mall parking lot is underutilized. Let’s make it a part of our community.
— Paul Choi
Asheville
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.