Asheville -- August 31, 2026: The Salvation Army has announced an operational pause for its long-term residential emergency shelter program at the Center of Hope, located at 204 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville, effective November 1.
This temporary suspension marks the first time in nearly 50 years of continuous service that the organization has halted its year-round residential lodging program in Asheville. Leadership emphasized that the facility is not closing permanently, but rather pausing long-term residential intake through the winter while mounting a dedicated local fundraising drive with the goal of resuming full operations on May 1, 2027.
Who the Shelter Serves: The Center of Hope operates a co-ed facility with a total capacity of 80 beds, typically housing around 65 residents per night. The program supports single men, single women, veterans, and intact families. Historically, roughly 85% of program participants successfully transition into permanent housing.
Relocation and Transition Efforts: Case managers began working intensively in late spring to ensure no current residents are left unhoused when the pause begins. The Salvation Army is collaborating with regional partner organizations, including Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM), to connect individuals and families with transitional programs, dedicated women's and veterans' facilities (such as Transformation Village and Veterans Restoration Quarters), and permanent supportive housing options.
The Funding Gap: Maintaining the Center of Hope requires approximately $90,000 to $100,000 per month, or roughly $1.2 million annually. Local branches do not receive operational subsidies from the national Salvation Army organization or thrift store revenue to sustain shelter programs; instead, they rely on localized donations, municipal support, and competitive public grants.
The Expiration of Federal Relief Grants: The immediate financial shortfall followed the expiration of a major $1.2 million multi-year grant on June 30 that had fully covered operating costs. That funding originated from federal emergency pandemic relief appropriations, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds passed down through regional channels.
The Congressional Role: Under the U.S. Constitution, the authority to allocate federal funds and establish grant timelines rests exclusively with the United States Congress. While the original pandemic relief legislation included strict statutory expiration dates, Congress held the legislative authority to pass new appropriations or extend statutory spending deadlines to sustain emergency shelter programs nationwide. Lawmakers chose not to enact legislation renewing those specific relief dollars, requiring federal agencies to sunset the grants.
Winter Code Purple Services Remain Active: While the long-term residential program will be paused, the building at 204 Haywood Street will not sit empty this winter. The facility will operate as an expanded Code Purple emergency shelter, providing up to 80 overnight beds for unhoused individuals during life-threatening freezing weather events between November 1 and April 30.
Other Services Continue Uninterrupted: All other Salvation Army programs in the area remain fully operational. The food pantry, emergency rent and utility assistance, disaster relief services, and the Haywood Road community center in West Asheville continue to serve local families without interruption.
Community members seeking assistance, shelter resources, or details on local contribution efforts can reach The Salvation Army of Asheville at (828) 253-4723 or visit their administrative offices at 758 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806.