Asheville Activates Code Purple Shelters

Emergency cold weather shelters open across the city for those in need

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care has announced the activation of Code Purple, a program that opens emergency cold weather shelters across the city to provide temporary housing and support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness during extreme winter conditions.

Why it matters

Code Purple is a critical initiative that helps protect the most vulnerable members of the Asheville community from the dangers of exposure during dangerously cold weather. The activation of these shelters is an important step in ensuring everyone has access to a safe, warm place to stay when temperatures drop.

The details

The Code Purple shelters are located at several sites across Asheville, including Safe Shelter (Women) at 27 Balm Grove, ABCCM Transformation Village (Women/Women with Children) at 30 Olin Haven Way, Safe Shelter at 91 New Leicester Hwy, and the Salvation Army at 204 Haywood Street. Each location offers transit access via various bus routes to make the shelters accessible to those in need.

  • Code Purple has been activated for the Asheville area as of March 28, 2026.

The players

Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care

A coalition of local organizations and service providers that coordinates homeless services and resources in the Asheville metropolitan area.

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The takeaway

The activation of Code Purple shelters in Asheville is a vital community effort to ensure no one is left out in the cold during extreme winter weather. These emergency housing options provide a lifeline for those experiencing homelessness, offering not just a warm place to stay but also access to essential support services.