24Sep2023

COVID Safety • 2023 Strategic Direction

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Code Purple

Safe Havens: ABCCM’s Code Purple Response

 
 
15970

UNSHELTERED PEOPLE
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City of Asheville designates ABCCM as a 2022 official Buncombe County shelter for unhoused individuals during Code Purple Emergencies; ABCCM begins annual Safe and Warm Campaign.

With three facilities totaling 130 beds, ABCCM has been designated a 2022 official Buncombe County Shelter for the homeless during Code Purple nights. Code Purple nights occur with temperatures of 32 degrees or lower, when people are at-risk of freezing to death. The threat is real; there are an average of 500 unsheltered (women and children, veterans, and other individuals) nightly in Buncombe County alone.

“Today’s unhoused homeless need secure facilities, competent staff and trained volunteers to help meet the complex needs of these neighbors,” says ABCCM Executive Director Rev. Scott Rogers. “ABCCM accepts everyone. We do not require ID or background checks. We accept all people of color. We accept different genders without putting labels and initials on people groups. We treat each unique individual with kindness. We serve those who may be in active addiction and need to stabilize or socially detox. Our focus is on safety for everyone. We do not allow active drug use on the property or in facilities. We require people to be in control of their behavior, not making threats or be a threat to themselves. We have a safe place for those with pets to house them offsite at a certified pet shelter or veterinarian facility. ABCCM is calling these places: Safe Havens.”

Here are the shelter locations:

Safe Havens 

Safe Havens are located at all three of ABCCM housing locations and will operate from 4pm to 7am:

  • Veterans Restoration Quarters, ACTS building at 1401 Tunnel Rd.  (Veteran men – 50 beds)
  • Recovery Living/Costello House at 141 Hillside St. (Civilian men – 30 beds)
  • Transformation Village at 30 Olin Haven Way (Women and children – 50 beds)

Additionally, the ABCCM board approved the purchase for a 2,000 sq ft. double-wide to take in those suffering with substance use disorder, and mental illness.

 

Volunteers are needed at all three buildings:

  • Cook Teams: shifts- 4-7pm and 6-8am.
  • Evening Activity volunteers: shifts 5-7pm and 7-9pm
  • Life Skill teachers: shifts 7-9pm
  • Mentors or Faithful Friends: shifts 5-7pm and 7-9pm

Beverly-Hanks will sponsor a fund drive for Transformation Village in November, and the Grey Eagle will be holding a clothing drive on November 5 for ABCCM’s Crisis Ministry.