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WLOS — A Code Purple has been issued for Asheville Tuesday due to cold temperatures in the mountains. Typically, that requires shelters to expand capacity but because of the pandemic and staffing, local shelters are not taking people in. Now, people in need are forced to camp outside. Local providers are working to find solutions. The Salvation Army has informed the City of Asheville it will accept unvaccinated women into its facility but that still leaves many out in the cold.
ASHEVILLE HOMELESS CAMP GROWS, LITTLE RELIEF IN SIGHT FROM FREEZING CONDITIONS

The City of Hendersonville is taking action to help people in need. The City Council voted Monday night to accept a grant for $1.5 million to fund the Hendersonville Connections Center. The grant was provided by the Dogwood Health Trust. The Hendersonville Connections Center will house multiple non-profits all under one roof. It will include laundry and showers, job training, mental health services and a free on-site clinic. However, there will be no shelter. The center is set to open late next year.
'WE WANT TO REDUCE THE BARRIERS TO SERVICE:' CONNECTIONS CENTER PLANNED FOR HENDERSONVILLE

North Carolina health officials reported just under 1400 new COVID-19 cases since Friday. Additionally, officials say 33 more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported and more than 1,000 people are hospitalized. Currently, the daily positive rate is at 6.3%.
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