ADID Ambassadors Show Up for Downtown: Two Weekends of Severe Weather Response

Over two consecutive weekends, ADID Ambassadors responded to an ice storm followed by six inches of snow Downtown. With transit disrupted, sidewalks frozen, and limited business activity, crews activated emergency protocols to focus on safety, mobility, and direct assistance where it was most needed.

• Ambassadors cleared hazardous sidewalks, assisted stalled vehicles, supported open businesses, and distributed cold-weather supplies.

• When buses were not running, Ambassadors helped transport 25 unhoused individuals to Code Purple shelter locations so they could reach safety.

• Supervisor Chris S. made repeated trips after his shift ended to ensure no one was left stranded.

• The responses demonstrated ADID’s ability to mobilize quickly, deploy resources where needed, and support the Downtown community during extreme weather.

• Visit Asheville Citizen Times for their coverage of the ADID team out in the field here and here!

Weekend One: Ice Storm

During the first weekend, we consolidated our team to one shift, and rotated between shop and field operations to limit cold exposure while maintaining coverage. Ambassadors circulated Downtown reducing hazards and checking on residents, workers, and the few businesses that remained open.

Near homeless service providers, teams cleared and salted sidewalks and roadway edges so clients could move safely through icy conditions on foot.

Crews also assisted stranded drivers, shared salt with open businesses, distributed blankets to individuals who remained outdoors, and received positive feedback from city leaders who noticed their presence.

The weekend doubled as our first real world test of ADID’s emergency response system, showing how quickly our team could mobilize during hazardous conditions.

Weekend Two: Snow Storm

The following weekend brought six inches of snow Downtown, prompting a second consecutive emergency deployment. Teams consolidated into one shift and focused on sidewalk clearing while local media documented the response.

Ambassadors shoveled snow, applied ice melt to high risk areas, assisted stalled vehicles, and helped transport 25 unhoused individuals from Downtown to Code Purple shelter locations when buses stopped running. Supervisor Chris S. made additional trips after his shift to ensure everyone reached shelter safely, going above and beyond in support for the most vulnerable in our community.

Showing Up When Downtown Needs It Most

Across both weekends, ADID Ambassadors demonstrated what emergency readiness looks like in practice through rapid deployment, coordination with partners, compassion in the field, and a steady focus on public safety.

These responses underscored the value of having trained, visible teams in Downtown who can pivot quickly during extreme weather, support vulnerable populations, assist businesses, and keep critical pedestrian routes passable.

When conditions are at their worst, presence matters. These two weekends showed what it looks like to show up, and we are proud of our teams for being there for Downtown.