Code Purple declared for Nov. 1 due to cold weather. But men have fewer places to shelter.

Elizabeth Anne Brown | The Citizen-Times

ASHEVILLE - With near-freezing temperatures in the forecast, the Asheville Homeless Coalition has called a Code Purple for Nov. 1. Participating organizations will offer shelter from the elements — but not to everyone.

In 2018, a number of shelters announced they would no longer host men on Code Purple nights, citing escalating security issues and an inability to guarantee the safety of women and children in their care.

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries and Salvation Army Ministries both pointed to what they consider a lack of law enforcement support from the Asheville Police Department.

More: Code Purple no longer an option for homeless men at Western Carolina Rescue Ministries

The most recent Point-in-Time Count, a yearly census of people without homes on that day, tallied 580 people in Buncombe County on Jan. 30. Seventy four percent were men, according to the report.

The only overnight shelter that accepts men during Code Purple events is the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry Veteran's Restoration Quarters on Tunnel Road. Women and children are not allowed.

WCRM will be open to all during the day but will only host women and children overnight. Identification is required, as well as cross-referencing the sex offender registry.

ABCCM's Steadfast House has limited space for women and children only.

Trinity Place, a youth shelter, will accept minors from 7-17 overnight.