ASHEVILLE, N.C. — An Asheville church is opening its doors to those in need the next few nights. One woman says church members helped her when she didn’t have a home, and now she is returning the favor.
What You Need To Know
Asheville is under a code purple through the weekend
When temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, additional facilities open to take in the homeless and those in need
Trinity United Methodist Church is opening to accommodate those in need
Lea Costley is preparing food for the weekend. She is helping the church host people overnight.
“I am organizing it so when they come to the window we can be quick about what they need,” Costley said.
Costley has worked at Trinity United Methodist Church for about a month. She says people here helped when she was in a tough spot a few months ago. Her fiance passed away and she took some time off. Then, her mom, who lives in Florida, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
“I went down when that happened, and I ended up having to stay longer than I thought,” Costley said.
She stopped working during that time and got behind on her rent. Her landlord eventually kicked her out and she had nowhere to go. She ended up on the streets of downtown Asheville.
“It was really cold, my whole body was shivering, plus I was stressed,” Costley said. “I was scared to death. There is a lot that goes on downtown. I kept thinking, ‘Where can I go that will be safe.’”
In the fall, Trinity United Methodist Church opened up for overnight stay during a code purple. They offered her a place to stay. Now she hopes to open the door for anyone else who may be going through a similar struggle.
“I have no idea what would have happened to me if I were out on the street as a single woman,” Costley said. “Instead, I am able to turn around and give it back and help. That is huge.”
Trinity United Methodist is seeking volunteers and donations. Right now they are accepting families, couples and other vulnerable people. They ask anyone interested to call ahead.
Other organizations offering shelter:
- ABCCM Costello House: Men only; accepting people from 4 p.m. through the night.
- Asheville Salvation Army: Women and children only; accepting people 6-7 p.m.