Out of the Ashes Launches Winter Outreach, Code Purple Shelter in Forest City

Out of the Ashes, a faith-based nonprofit serving Rutherford and Polk counties, is expanding winter services to help those facing homelessness, addiction, and extreme cold.

The organization operates a Code Purple emergency shelter whenever temperatures drop to 32°F or below, offering warm beds, hot meals, showers, and supportive staff. Check-in is 6–8 p.m., check-out at 7 a.m., with a brief phone assessment required at 828-395-2000. After-hours intake is available through emergency personnel only.

Community members can support the effort by providing meals, donating clothing and household items, leading classes, or contributing financially. Donations can be dropped off at 131 Countryside Drive or 225 West Main Street (Second Chance Resale) in Forest City, or given online at outoftheashesnc.org.

Out of the Ashes is faith-based, but participation in chapel or Bible studies is optional. Men and women are housed separately, and registered sex offenders are not admitted.

“Our goal is simple: to help people find stability, purpose, and community,” they said in a statement. “We walk beside every person, one day and one step at a time.”

For more information or to volunteer, call or visit their website.