Some homeless shelters bar men over security concerns

ASHVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Cold weather is hitting western North Carolina but fewer homeless shelters are allowing men inside.

The Citizen Times reports that the Asheville Homeless Coalition called a “code purple” for Friday. That means organizations will open shelters from the cold.

But in recent years, a number of shelters have said they would no longer host men. The shelters cite growing security concerns and an inability to ensure the safety of women and children. They also said they need more support from local police.

A yearly census of the homeless in the area found that more than 70 percent were men.

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Information from: The Asheville Citizen-Times, http://www.citizen-times.com