With Arrival of Cold Snap, Nonprofits and Volunteers Are Opening Code Purple Sites Across Delaware

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


Code Purple Declared As Bitterly Cold Temperatures, Sub-Zero Wind Chills Arrive

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 30, 2019) With Delaware facing the coldest temperatures of the winter from Wednesday night through Thursday, 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.

When severe snowstorms or sub-zero temperatures are forecast in Delaware, the organizations that manage Code Purple sites 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 Delaware 2-1-1 or click the Code Purple button at www.delaware211.org. 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 from Wednesday night through Thursday are expected to be below-zero, with overnight lows Wednesday through Friday not expected to climb above the teens. That means the risk for frostbite and/or hypothermia increases after even a short time outside.

“We are grateful to the series of nonprofits and volunteers that operate Code Purple shelters across our state,” said Governor John Carney. “This is the true meaning of neighbors helping neighbors.”

“The below-zero wind chills coming to Delaware will mean dangerous conditions outside,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a board-certified family physician. “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 and Newark: The lead agency for Code Purple in New Castle County is Friendship House, which operates two Code Purple winter sanctuary programs one in Wilmington and the other in Newark through the Newark Empowerment Center. The Wilmington program is operated in collaboration with the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has declared Code Purple for Wednesday and Thursday nights in Wilmington at the Salvation Army building, 400 N. Orange St. Those who seek overnight housing will receive a hot snack, continental breakfast and a shower.

In Newark, Code Purple has been declared for Wednesday night, with an additional declaration expected. The Newark Empowerment Center connects people with overnight stays at a rotating group of churches when Code Purple is declared. To register and get the location, visit the center at 69 E. Main St., between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily. For more information, call 302-544-0165.

KENT COUNTY

Code Purple has been declared in Kent County (hotline at 800-733-6816) through Jan. 31. The schedule:

Men
Centennial United Methodist Church, 44 E. Mount Vernon St., Smyrna (5 p.m. through Jan. 31)
Peoples Church, 26 S. Bradford St., Dover (5 p.m. through Jan. 31)
Women
Marantha Life Changing Church, 1235 E. Division St., Dover. (5 p.m. through Jan. 31)

SUSSEX COUNTY

Western Sussex: Code Purple shelters a collection of churches are open each night now through March 15, regardless of temperature. Separate shelters are operated for men and for women (with or without children). For information, call the Code Purple Hotline at 302-519-0024.

Eastern Sussex: Code Purple already is being observed regardless of weather seven days a week until spring at Immanuel Shelter, 37439 Oyster House Road, Rehoboth Beach. The shelter serves men and women. For more information, call 1-888-634-9992.


In Face of Blizzard and Winter Storm Warnings, Code Purple Being Declared Across Delaware to Shelter People in Need

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 3, 2018) – With a blizzard warning for Sussex County beginning tonight into Thursday and a winter storm warning for Kent and New Castle counties, Code Purple is being declared across the state. Additional declarations are expected.

Since most Code Purple sites use volunteers to manage operations, the activation and implementation vary by county and site. To be connected to Code Purple resources, call Delaware 2-1-1 or click the Code Purple button at www.delaware211.org. Or call the Delaware Housing Alliance’s Centralized Intake Line at 302-654-0126, ext. 112. 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.

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

SUSSEX COUNTY
Code Purple is declared when temperatures fall below 32 degrees. Sanctuaries through the weekend:
• St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 202 N. North St., Seaford (men only). Check-in at 8:30 p.m.
• Gateway Fellowship, 8011 Cannon Road, Bridgeville (women and children only). Check-in at 8:30 p.m. For both sites, dinner is provided at 7 p.m. at the CROSS building, 703 E. King St., Seaford, with transportation to Gateway Fellowship afterward.
• Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St., Milford (men only). Check-in at 7 p.m.; meals provided on-site.
• Laurel Nazarene, 100 Walnut Drive, Laurel (men, with separate space for fathers with children). Check-in at 7 p.m. Dinner provided at the CROSS building, 703 E. King St., Seaford, with transportation to and from the CROSS to be provided.
• Georgetown Presbyterian, 203 N. Bedford St., Georgetown. Call Pastor Mike at 302-344-1912 or leave a message at the church at 302-856-6842. The sanctuary is only open for extreme weather. People must call ahead about availability.
• Immanuel Code Purple Shelter, 37439 Oyster House Road, Rehoboth Beach, open nightly until April 1 regardless of the temperature (serving men and women). 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. daily.

For more information, call the hotline at 302-519-0024 or visit: https://codepurplesussexcounty.com

KENT COUNTY
Code Purple has been declared for tonight and Thursday night. The schedule:

Men
• Centennial United Methodist Church, 44 E. Mount Vernon St., Smyrna (5 p.m.)
• Presbyterian Church, 54 S. State St., Dover (5 p.m.)
• Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St., Milford (5 p.m.)
In Dover, all overflow for men will be sent after dinner at Presbyterian to emergency center at Dover Interfaith.

Women
• Wesley United Methodist Church (enter on North Street), 209 S. State St., (5:30 p.m.)
• Milford Community Center, 105 NE Front St. (5 p.m.)

Thursday during the day:
• Hopes & Dreams Peer Resource Center, 621 W. Division St., Dover, will open from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Dover Interfaith Resource Center, 684 Forest St., Dover, will open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

For information about future locations, call the hotline at 1-800-733-6816.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Wilmington and Newark: The lead agency for Code Purple in New Castle County is Friendship House, which operates two Code Purple winter sanctuary programs – one in Wilmington and the other in Newark through the Newark Empowerment Center. The Wilmington program is operated in collaboration with the Salvation Army. Beside the Friendship/Salvation Army winter sanctuary program, the Sunday Breakfast Mission and the Rick VanStory Resource Center offer overnight shelter to both men and women.

The Salvation Army has declared Code Purple for tonight, Jan. 3, with additional declarations expected:
• Salvation Army building, 400 N. Orange St. Those who seek overnight housing will receive a hot snack, continental breakfast and a shower.

In Newark, Code Purple has been declared for Thursday, Jan. 4, through Saturday, Jan. 6. The Newark Empowerment Center connects people with overnight stays at a rotating group of churches when Code Purple is declared, with visitors welcome for emergency sanctuary from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. To register, call 302-544-0165. The locations:

• Thursday, Jan. 4: Calvary Baptist Church, 215 E. Delaware Ave., Newark.
• Friday, Jan. 5: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark, 420 Willa Road.
• Saturday, Jan. 6: New Ark United Church of Christ, 300 E. Main St., Newark.

-30-

The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.


Protect Yourself and Your Animals During Cold Weather

picture of thermometer showing temps under zeroDOVER – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is reminding residents to prepare both themselves and their animals as temperatures dip dangerously low this week. The National Weather Service is possible snowfall across the state Wednesday night into Thursday and near-record low temperatures with gusty winds Friday and Saturday.

Code Purple overnight shelters are activated across the state for people who are homeless, with additional nights expected through the weekend. Since most Code Purple sites use volunteers to manage operations, the activation and implementation vary by county and site. To be connected to Code Purple resources, call Delaware 2-1-1, visit www.delaware211.org and click on the Code Purple button, or call the Delaware Housing Alliance’s Centralized Intake Line at 302-654-0126, ext. 112.

Hypothermia and Frostbite

Hypothermia is one of the greatest health risks to people in cold and freezing temperatures. Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, can occur in cold weather or if a person becomes chilled by rain. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous, because a person may not know that it’s happening and won’t be able to do anything about it. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected.

Prevent problems before they occur:
When heading out in cold weather, remember the following:

  • Water-resistant or waterproof outerwear is advisable to reduce the risk of hypothermia. Dress in layers of loose-fitting clothes, including extra socks, which can be removed if they become damp. Wear warm, comfortable shoes.
  • Wear hats, water-resistant coats, scarves or knit masks to cover the face and mouth, and gloves or mittens. Mittens are warmer than gloves.
  • Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton. Perspiration can increase heat loss, and wet clothing can chill the body rapidly.
  • When exerting yourself, it is important to remain hydrated by drinking water and other non-caffeinated beverages. Consuming alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can also cause the body to lose heat more rapidly.
  • Cold weather can put extra strain on the heart, so individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure should follow their doctors’ advice about exerting themselves in the cold.

Recognize the symptoms of frostbite:

Frostbite, an injury to the body that is caused by freezing, is another significant health risk in cold and freezing temperatures. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite increases for people with reduced blood circulation and among those who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures. At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin – frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:

  • A white or grayish-yellow skin area
  • Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
  • Numbness

A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb. If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care.

For more information on cold weather preparation, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.html.

Protect your pet during cold weather:

Harsh weather conditions and cold temperatures can also be harmful to your pet. Take steps to keep them warm and healthy this winter:

  • Bring pets indoors. This is the safest place for your pet during cold temperatures. Short-haired pets or very young or old pets should never be left outdoors in cold temperatures, and all pet dogs and cats should be brought indoors when the temperature falls below freezing. According to Delaware law, dogs cannot be left outdoors during hazardous weather warnings issued by the National Weather Service. DPH urges people to closely monitor weather updates.
  • Protect outdoor pets from the elements. If your pet must be outdoors, you must provide a dry, draft-free shelter from the elements that contains moisture-resistant bedding such as straw or cedar shavings, which will help pets retain body heat. Housing should be appropriately sized for the animal and designed for animal sheltering. Pet owners should also provide a water-proof flap over the doorway to protect from wind and rain.
  • Ensure access to water at all times. Frequently check water bowls to ensure water is not frozen. If you typically use a metal watering bowl, replace it with plastic as a pet’s tongue can get stuck to metal in cold temperatures.
  • Additional food may be needed. Animals burn more calories in cold temperatures in order to stay warm, so you may need to increase the amount of food you provide. Check with your veterinarian about your pet’s nutritional needs in cold weather.
  • Outdoor cats need attention, too. Whether outdoor cats are owned, stray, or feral, they need the same protection from cold weather as your pets. If there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, provide them with dry, warm shelter, as well as food and water to help them survive dangerously low temperatures. For your own safety, do not handle any unfamiliar animals, particularly if the rabies vaccination status is unknown. An animal may have rabies and not exhibit any external signs.

If you see a pet that has been left outdoors in cold temperatures without proper shelter or protection from the elements, food, or water, report it immediately to the Delaware Animal Services Hotline at 302-255-4646. For more information, visit: https://animalservices.delaware.gov/.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.


As Dangerous Cold Temperature and Wind Chills Continue in Delaware, Code Purple Shelters Open Tonight and for Days to Come

NEW CASTLE (Dec. 29, 2017) – With low temperatures in the teens or single digits through much of next week, Code Purple shelters are opening in all three counties for individuals who are homeless and in need of a place of refuge.

Often organized and staffed by volunteers, Code Purple sites in Delaware typically are located at houses of worship and community shelters. The sites provide safe, warm and short-term housing and hot meals to individuals and families who are homeless. The activation of Code Purple varies, with decisions sometimes made day-by-day. Shelters typically are opened when winter-weather conditions – low temperatures, low wind chills, strong winds or heavy snow – make it difficult for anyone to be outside for extended periods. Being outside during extreme cold brings the risk of frostbite or hypothermia for anyone who does not take proper precautions. During the coldest periods of the weekend, prolonged exposure could result in frostbite in less than 30 minutes.

“This cold weather is dangerous, so I urge anyone without a place to sleep to find the nearest overnight Code Purple shelter,” Governor John Carney said. “I am grateful to the organizations and volunteers who staff and run the shelters across our state. And I appreciate their compassionate and welcoming spirit on behalf of their neighbors in need.”

Since most Code Purple sites use volunteers to manage operations, the activation and implementation vary by county and site. To be connected to Code Purple resources, call Delaware 2-1-1, search for “Code Purple” on the Delaware 2-1-1 mobile app or on its website at www.delaware211.org and click on the Code Purple button. Or call the Delaware Housing Alliance’s Centralized Intake Line at 302-654-0126, ext. 112.

“During these dangerously cold nights, we are grateful that Code Purple volunteers across our state are there to provide a warm place to stay, a hearty meal and a welcoming hand to people in need,” Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker said. “If you see anyone without a place to go this weekend or at any time during the winter, we urge you to refer them to the nearest Code Purple location or to Delaware 2-1-1 to be connected to services.”

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

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

Wilmington and Newark: The lead agency for Code Purple in New Castle County is Friendship House, which operates two Code Purple winter sanctuary programs – one in Wilmington and the other in Newark through the Newark Empowerment Center. The Wilmington program is operated in collaboration with the Salvation Army. Beside the Friendship/Salvation Army winter sanctuary program, the Sunday Breakfast Mission and the Rick VanStory Resource Center offer overnight shelter to both men and women.

The Salvation Army has extended Code Purple for tonight through the night of Jan. 1:
• Salvation Army building, 400 N. Orange St. Those who seek overnight housing will receive a hot snack, continental breakfast and a shower.
• Newark Empowerment Center connects people with overnight stays at a rotating group of churches when Code Purple is declared in Wilmington. To register and receive location, call 302-544-0165.

KENT COUNTY
Code Purple has been declared through Jan. 6. Sanctuaries opening Friday evening:

Men
• Centennial United Methodist Church, 44 E. Mount Vernon St., Smyrna. 5 p.m.
• People’s Church of Dover, 46 S. Bradford St., Dover. 5 p.m.

Women
• Christ Church, 523 S. State St., Dover. 5 p.m.
• Milford Community Center, 105 NE Front St. 5 p.m.

For information about future locations, call the hotline at 1-800-733-6816.

SUSSEX COUNTY
Code Purple is declared when temperatures fall below 32 degrees. Sanctuaries throughout the weekend and into next week:

• St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 202 N. North St., Seaford (men only). Check-in at 8:30 p.m.
• Gateway Fellowship, 8011 Cannon Road, Bridgeville (women and children only). Check-in at 8:30 p.m.
For both sites, dinner is provided at 7 p.m. at the CROSS building, 703 E. King St., Seaford, with transportation to Gateway Fellowship afterward.

• Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St., Milford (men only). Check-in at 7 p.m.; meals provided on-site.

• OPENING JAN. 1: Laurel Nazarene, 100 Walnut Drive, Laurel (men, with separate space for fathers with children). Check-in at 7 p.m. Dinner provided at the CROSS building, 703 E. King St., Seaford, with transportation to and from the CROSS to be provided.

• Georgetown Presbyterian, 203 N. Bedford St., Georgetown. Call Pastor Mike at 302-344-1912 or leave a message at the church at 302-856-6842. The sanctuary is only open for extreme weather. People must call ahead about availability.

• Immanuel Code Purple Shelter, 37439 Oyster House Road, Rehoboth Beach, open nightly until April 1 regardless of the temperature (serving men and women). 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. daily.

For more information, call the hotline at 302-519-0024 or visit:
https://codepurplesussexcounty.com/