Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Coalition Code Purple Information

Asheville -- November 14, 2022: The City of Asheville Government provides much needed information on their
website for those in need. 

Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Coalition has also has a Facebook Page to follow here

(bcnc.homeless.coaltion@gmail.com)

Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Coalition
Code Purple Procedure Manual

2022 - 2023

Purpose of Code Purple
The purpose of the Code Purple procedure is to provide a coordinated effort among Asheville
and Buncombe County shelters and other organizations to provide emergency overflow shelter
to people experiencing homelessness when the temperature is at or below 32 degrees
(including windchill). During Code Purple, participating shelters will provide more beds with
fewer requirements than their typical programming.
Operations of Calling Code Purple
Code Purple is called:
● By the Co-Chairs of the Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Coalition
● Based on the forecast posted on www.weather.gov
● 48 hours in advance, with each date called separately
○ For example, if the forecast as published on January 14th for January 16th
indicates a temperature of 32 degrees or below, including windchill, Code Purple
will be called on January 14th for January 16th

Notification:
● Homeless Coalition Co-Chairs will notify the community that Code Purple has been
called by emailing their distribution list 48 hours in advance.
○ For example, if Code Purple is called for January 16th, the email will be sent
January 14th.
● Based on email notification:
○ Buncombe County will notify the community via text alert
○ The City of Asheville will post Code Purple notification on the Harrah’s Cherokee
Center marquee

● The Homeless Coalition will also post Code Purple notification on their social media.
● Service providers and community members should communicate Code Purple
availability with people in need of shelter.
● Anyone can be added to the Homeless Coalition distribution list by contacting
bcnc.homeless.coalition@gmail.com.

2022-2023 Code Purple Sites

Location Population Hours Transit
Route

ABCCM’s Veterans Restoration

Quarters
1329 Tunnel Road
828.259.5333

Single Men Intake 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Exit 7:30 a.m.

WE2
170

ABCCM’s Transformation
Village
30 Olin Haven Way
259.5365

Single Women
and
Women with
Children

Intake 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Exit 7:30 a.m.

W2

Transportation
● ABCCM will provide shuttle service with pickups at its Crisis Ministry (24 Cumberland
Ave.) at 4 p.m.
● Bus transit through ART is free to Code Purple sites at night and from Code Purple sites
to downtown the following morning
○ Riders should identify themselves to the driver as needing free transit to Code
Purple sites beginning 3:20pm and going to 6:00pm (when general shelter intake
closes)
○ The morning after a Code Purple event, transport is available back to Coxe Ave
terminal from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on weekdays/Saturday and 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
on Sundays. Inbound service is not available after above times if Code Purple
has not been issued for that night also.
○ When Code Purple is in effect for multiple days, ART transport is available
throughout the day.
○ Backpacks and other belongings must not obstruct the aisle or limit access to
seats for other passengers, passengers may be denied based on too many bags.
○ Drivers reserve the right to eject passengers for disruptive, dangerous, or
threatening behavior or speech.

After Hours
The following public safety officers and outreach staff assisting people after entry hours who are
in need of shelter are able to facilitate late entry to Code Purple sites:
- Community Paramedics
- Asheville Police Department
- Buncombe County Sheriff's Department
- BeLoved Asheville
- Mission Hospital

Standard Rules
Each Code Purple site agrees to:
- Accept people under the influence of drugs or alcohol provided they are able to safely
participate in shelter; EMS is available to provide medical clearance when needed
- Accept people with mental illness and physical disabilities, provided they are able to
facilitate their own care
- Accept individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and
gender identity
- Make participation in religious activities voluntary
Code Purple participants agree to:
- Not use, buy, or sell drugs or alcohol in shelter or on property
- Abstain from theft and violence, including threatening staff/volunteers
- Turn over any weapons at entry (to be returned to the participant at exit)

Ongoing Communication
Code Purple updates will be provided at monthly Homeless Coalition meetings and to the
Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee. The Code Purple Work Group will convene to make
any adjustments as needed.
With questions or for additional information, contact Kevin Mahoney at kmmahon1@gmail.com
or 828.280.0409.

WNCTIMES by Marjorie Farrington