ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Homeward Bound is adding 70 emergency shelter beds for Asheville’s coldest nights this winter, even as the community prepares to lose 65 regular shelter beds.
Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina says it is increasing its Code Purple capacity from 20 beds last winter to 90 this year. The organization will operate the emergency shelter at the Salvation Army building instead of its AHOPE Day Center.
The announcement comes just days before the Salvation Army is scheduled to suspend regular shelter operations Nov. 1 because of funding shortages, eliminating 65 year-round emergency shelter beds.
The two programs serve different purposes. While regular emergency shelters provide beds throughout the year, Code Purple offers temporary overnight shelter when winter weather becomes dangerous.
Homeward Bound expects to provide about 7,200 overnight bed stays between November and April, serving more than 150 people.
The organization will also continue prioritizing couples and people with pets, who can face additional barriers when seeking emergency shelter.
Sarah Newberry, Homeward Bound’s grants director, credited Asheville Homeless Services Director Alanna Kinsella with helping arrange the partnership with the Salvation Army.
“We are grateful to Homeless Services Director Alanna Kinsella, who worked closely with the Salvation Army to solidify a facility partnership for Code Purple this fall,” Newberry said.
City Council approves Code Purple funding
The expansion follows action Tuesday night by Asheville City Council to approve an agreement with Buncombe County to help fund Code Purple operations this winter.
Council authorized the city manager to accept and administer $100,000 from Buncombe County. Asheville has also budgeted $100,000 for the program.
The city and county have each budgeted $100,000 to support Code Purple operations through agreements with participating shelter providers. The Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care oversees the program and determines how funding is distributed.
The agreement does not specify how much of that funding will go to Homeward Bound.
“Thanks to strong partnerships with the county and community organizations, we continue to stand together as a community to provide vital assistance and hope to community members facing or living the impacts of being unhoused,” Asheville Housing and Economic Development Director Nikki Reid said in a statement following the council meeting.
More beds, but shelter shortage remains
The additional Code Purple beds come as Asheville and Buncombe County struggle to meet the growing need for emergency shelter.
During a recent briefing on homelessness, city officials warned that the community was heading into winter with fewer regular shelter beds and increasing demand for services.
City homelessness officials said the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope has relied heavily on temporary funding tied to the COVID-19 pandemic and Tropical Storm Helene. With those funding sources ending, the organization has not secured the approximately $1.2 million needed annually to continue regular operations.
Its planned suspension will eliminate 65 beds serving men, women, families and people with pets.
The loss of those beds is one reason city officials expect greater demand for Code Purple this winter. Shelter providers also have reported that rising operating costs are making it harder to provide emergency services with existing funding.
Homeward Bound’s expansion will provide more places to sleep during severe winter weather, but those beds will not necessarily be available on nights when Code Purple is not activated.
When is Code Purple activated?
Code Purple operates from Nov. 1 through April 30 and provides emergency overnight shelter when temperatures or wind chills fall to 32 degrees or below, or when temperatures are between 33 and 40 degrees with precipitation.
The program is designed to provide low-barrier shelter for people who might otherwise remain outside during dangerous weather.
People seeking shelter or information about Code Purple activation can call 828-398-6011.