ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County is considering a roughly 24% increase in funding for emergency cold-weather shelters this winter, even as the planned loss of regular shelter beds raises concerns about where people experiencing homelessness will go when temperatures drop.
The proposed Code Purple budget for the 2026-27 season is $376,353, up from $303,000 last year. The proposal would also increase reimbursement to participating shelters from $39.15 to $75 per person per night.
At that higher rate, the proposed budget would cover 5,018 bed nights, compared with 7,579 budgeted last season. A bed night represents one person staying in a shelter for one night.
Last winter, however, shelters used only 4,426 bed nights. The proposed budget would pay for 592 more bed nights than shelters used last winter, although actual demand could be different this year.
Center of Hope changes add to concerns
One of the biggest challenges is the Salvation Army’s plan to pause its 65-bed residential shelter program at the Center of Hope in downtown Asheville beginning Nov. 1.
The organization has been working with residents to find other housing or shelter arrangements. Other services at the Center of Hope are expected to continue, and the Salvation Army has indicated plans to participate in Code Purple this winter.
The suspension of the residential program does not necessarily mean the facility will be unavailable for emergency cold-weather shelter.
Still, the planned loss of 65 regular shelter beds could put additional pressure on a system already struggling to meet demand.
County officials anticipate 44 additional Code Purple beds this winter, but the final number and locations have not been announced.
Information presented to county commissioners also pointed to a projected reduction in regular and winter shelter capacity. It remains unclear how the anticipated Code Purple beds factor into that projection.
When Code Purple takes effect
Code Purple provides emergency overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness during dangerously cold weather.
In Buncombe County, activation criteria include forecast temperatures or wind chills of 32 degrees or below, or temperatures between 33 and 40 degrees accompanied by precipitation.
The season runs from Nov. 1 through April 30.
Participating organizations provide additional overnight accommodations during qualifying weather, with the county reimbursing providers for eligible shelter stays.
The proposed reimbursement increase would give shelters more money for each person housed overnight. But how many people can be accommodated will depend on which organizations participate, how many beds they offer and whether they have the staff and resources to operate them.
City considers additional housing assistance
The need for more shelter funding also came up during a recent Asheville Housing Recovery Board meeting.
City officials are developing a $2 million federal Hurricane Helene recovery program that could help pay for homelessness prevention, rental assistance and some emergency shelter services.
But the money isn’t expected to be available in time for this winter. Officials anticipate seeking applications from organizations no later than summer 2027.
Board members debated whether the money would be better spent helping people stay housed now or improving housing services over time. No final decision has been made on how the funding will be divided.
Shelter locations still unknown
The county anticipates 44 additional Code Purple beds, but the community is also facing the loss of regular shelter space, including the planned suspension of the Center of Hope’s residential program.
The proposed Code Purple funding increase has not been confirmed as formally approved.
With Code Purple season set to begin Nov. 1, the county has not announced when it will release the list of participating shelters or how many beds will be available.