Safe & Warm/Code Purple
When It’s Cold Outside, It’s Cold Inside
Provide heating assistance, blankets, and more…
Code Purple
Find Safe Havens: ABCCM’s Code Purple Response
With the rising cost of everything, struggling families are having to choose between heat and groceries. Help them avoid that difficult choice.
Please click Donate Now to make a general donation or donate a heat bill.
$200,000 – Anticipated cost to shelter and care for those in need this winter.
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) annual Safe & Warm drive is underway through March 31, 2025.
Every winter with 33,935 (12.3%) of the Buncombe County population living below the poverty level there is a need to help families and individuals with heating assistance. This year, due to inflation, lack of affordable housing, medical insurance and the lasting economic impact of Covid-19 the need for heating assistance is projected to increase 30+% and there are more Cold Weather Stories to come than ever. During the winter months ABCCM receives an average of 20 calls a day, including from elderly and families with children for heating assistance, and has prevented the shut off of heat for 130 households.
ABCCM recognizes the wonderful volunteers and businesses that help make Safe & Warm a huge blessing for so many people this winter.
“It is an honor to collaborate on the Safe & Warm campaign with all of you. And HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on the amazing fundraising total for the 2023 campaign!”Proud Sponsors of ABCCM Safe Havens and Safe & Warm
Safe Havens & Code Purple
With a total of 100 beds at two facilities designated as Safe Havens, ABCCM has been selected as the lead agency for freezing weather emergencies during the 2023-24 winter season.
Officials with Buncombe County and the City work through the Homeless Coalition to call Code Purple. Code Purple nights occur when temperatures reach 32 degrees or lower, when people are at-risk of freezing to death. The threat is real.
According to the last Point in Time count, there were about 120 unsheltered (men, women and children, including Veterans and intact families).
Drop-off Locations
Drop off your blankets or coats at the following locations. Carolina Furniture Concepts will match $30,000 on January 27th blanket drive day at Carolina Furniture Concepts at 100 Airport Road.