CODE PURPLE SHELTERS OPEN IN NEW CASTLE AND SUSSEX COUNTIES

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 21, 2014) - With snow widespread across the state and temperatures forecast to drop into the 20s and lower through Friday, Code Purple locations have been established in New Castle and Sussex counties to help people who are homeless find shelter. The duration of the shelters are subject to weather conditions and the resources of the coordinating agency or place of worship. People with emergency housing needs are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to be directed to the most appropriate shelter or service.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

Wilmington

Friendship House has enacted Code Purple beginning Jan. 21, and for the remainder of the week. Volunteers provide soup and sandwiches. Friendship House provides hot beverages, paper and cleaning products. The shelter will be open each day from 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, 720 N. Orange St., Wilmington. Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 22 and for the remainder of the week, doors will open at 5:30 a.m. at this location.

For more information about Code Purple nights, call Bill Perkins at (302) 559-5716.

Salvation Army activates Code Purple when necessary. After 8:30 p.m., those at the sanctuary will go to the Salvation Army shelter, 400 N. Orange St. Men will be provided a cot set-up in the gymnasium and women will be provided accommodation in the women's shelter. An evening snack and continental breakfast will be served before visitors leave the facility at 6 a.m.

Newark

A coalition of 10 Newark faith communities offers emergency sanctuary from dusk to dawn (6 p.m.-6 a.m.). Eight local churches rotate in serving as the host site. Volunteers from local faith communities and community organizations support guests who are homeless in a church common room with access to bathrooms, a light evening meal, hot beverages and blankets.

Those in the Newark area who are in need of sanctuary from the cold weather are encouraged to call (302) 544-0165, and sign up for services with the Newark Empowerment Center. The center's office hours are 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The host overnight sanctuary locations for the Newark Empowerment Center are:

• Wednesday (Jan. 22): Calvary Baptist Church, 215 E. Delaware Ave., Newark. Doors open at 6 p.m.

SUSSEX COUNTY

Beginning Jan, 21, and for however long Code Purple is in effect: People in need of overnight sanctuary are encouraged to go to Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The facility does not have the capacity to house families; only single individuals can be hosted at this time. For more information, call Nan Ruhl, director of Immanuel Shelter, at (302) 604-2619.

KENT COUNTY

Nan Ruhl, director of Immanuel Shelter, said the overnight sanctuary at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach would take individuals who are homeless in Kent County or elsewhere who can get to the shelter.

CENTRALIZED INTAKE: HOMELESS PREVENTION RESPONSE SYSTEM

Centralized Intake is a statewide program that provides an efficient and effective process for assessing individuals and families who are experiencing a housing crisis, identifying the most appropriate housing intervention needed to end their episode of homelessness, and referring them to crisis services and/or shelter to meet their immediate needs. Anyone experiencing a housing crisis is urged to call 2-1-1. The operator will ask a few questions to determine if they would benefit from prevention services in the community or if they need to be assessed by a housing specialist.

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.