NEW CASTLE (Jan. 10, 2022) – With Delaware facing the coldest temperatures of the winter Monday and Tuesday nights, Code Purple is being declared across the state by the nonprofit and volunteer organizations that operate the shelters to keep people who are homeless safe during dangerous winter weather. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, capacity is limited.

When severe snowstorms or sub-freezing temperatures are forecast in Delaware, the organizations that manage Code Purple sites often activate their shelters. The Code Purple declarations, which vary by county and site, open up additional beds and warm shelter space beyond the year-round shelter beds available across the state.

To be connected to Code Purple resources, call the individual shelter locations or call the Delaware Housing Alliances Centralized Intake Line at 1-833-FIND-BED (833-346-3233). If you see someone outside who appears to be homeless, encourage them to seek emergency shelter or call a non-emergency police number to alert the police to the situation.

The wind chills across the state are expected to be in the single-digits to the low teens Monday and Tuesday, with overnight lows in the teens to low 20s. That means the risk for frostbite and/or hypothermia increases after even a short time outside.

“We are always grateful to the series of nonprofits and volunteers that operate Code Purple shelters across our state, but we are especially thankful for the work they are doing during the pandemic to keep vulnerable people safe,” said Governor John Carney. “This is the true meaning of neighbors helping neighbors.”

“The dropping temperatures, the strong winds and the wind chills arriving in Delaware will mean dangerous conditions outside,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Molly Magarik. “We encourage anyone without a place to go to find a spot at a Code Purple shelter.”

Details about the shelters, which are organized and operated by nonprofit organizations or volunteers:

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

Wilmington: The City of Wilmington, the Salvation Army and Friendship House have declared Code Purple for Monday and Tuesday nights. The Salvation Army building operates a shelter for women and families with children only at 400 N. Orange St starting at 9 p.m. To access Friendship House’s Code Purple, individuals must register for location and details. To register, call 302-652-8033 or visit 720 N. Orange St., Wilmington, between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Newark: Friendship House has declared Code Purple for Monday and Tuesday nights. To access Friendship House’s Code Purple, individuals must register for location and details. To register, call 302-544-0165 or visit 62 E. Delaware Ave., between 1 and 3:30 p.m.

Middletown: Friendship House has declared Code Purple for Monday and Tuesday nights. To access Friendship House’s Code Purple, individuals must register for location and details. To register, call 302-416-0982 or visit 44 W. Main St., Middletown between 9 and 11:30 a.m.

KENT COUNTY

Code Purple Kent County has ongoing sanctuaries (hotline is 1-800-733-6816 or www.codepurplekentcounty.com), with check-in beginning at 5:30 p.m. and check-out at 8 a.m. The sites:

Men: Peoples Church, 46 S. Bradford St. Dover.

Women and children: Maranatha Life Changing Church, 1235 E. Division St., Dover.

SUSSEX COUNTY

Western Sussex: Code Purple shelters are housed in churches, with a central location for an evening meal. For more information call the hotline at302-519-0024 or visit codepurplesussexcounty.com

For men: Church of God, 425 Stein Highway, Seaford. Check-in is at 8 p.m. and check-out is at 7 a.m.

For women: Grace Seaford Church, 805 Atlanta Road, Seaford. Check-in is from 8:30-9 p.m. and check-out is at 7 a.m.

For men: Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church Ave., Milford. Check-in is from 8:30-9 p.m. and check-out is at 7 a.m.

For women, with or without children: Milford Nazarene, 11 NW Salevan Place, Milford. Check-in is from 8-9 p.m. and check-out is at 7 a.m.

Eastern Sussex: This Code Purple location operates all winter at the former Troop 7 Building, 18006 Coastal Highway, Lewes. Shelter hours are 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. To reserve a spot, call:
• 8 a.m.-2 p.m.: 302-269-7050
• After 2 p.m.: 302-519-0024

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