CODE PURPLE LOCATIONS ACTIVATED ACROSS DELAWARE

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 12, 2014) - As the pending storm nears Delaware, Code Purple alerts are being activated across the state to help people who are homeless find a warm shelter. Weather conditions and the resources of the coordinating agency or place of worship will determine how long each shelter remains open.

People with emergency housing needs are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to be directed to the most appropriate shelter or service.

WILMINGTON

Friendship House has enacted Code Purple for today, Feb. 12, through Friday, Feb. 14. Volunteers provide soup and sandwiches. Friendship House provides hot beverages, paper and cleaning products. The shelter typically is open from 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., although because of the storm it also will be open from 5:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Thursday, at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, 720 N. Orange St. For more information about Code Purple nights, call Bill Perkins at (302) 559-5716.

Salvation Army has activated Code Purple for today, Feb. 12, through Friday, Feb. 12. 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 Newark faith communities offers emergency sanctuary from dusk to dawn (6 p.m.-6 a.m.). A team of 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 need of sanctuary from the storm in the Newark area are strongly urged to call (302) 544-0165 for the host sanctuary location and to register for services with the Newark Empowerment Center at 69 E. Main St. The center-s office hours are 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

KENT COUNTY

Women and children can receive Code Purple shelter and food at Shepherd Place, 1362 Governors Ave., Dover, starting today, Feb. 12, until the weather breaks. Eight cots, plus crib and bassinet are available. Doors open for 5 p.m. dinner. The shelter is in need of volunteers, food and meal planning, and additional supplies.

Men can receive Code Purple shelter and food at Mt. Carmel Church, 117 N. West St., Dover, starting today, Feb. 12, until the weather breaks. Fifteen cots are available. Doors open for 5 p.m. dinner. The shelter is in need of volunteers, food and meal planning, and additional supplies.

Presbyterian Church of Dover, 54 S. State St., was activated today, Feb. 12, as a Code Purple shelter for as many as 20 women and children. The shelter will remain open until the weather breaks. The Rev. Lee MacCallum, Code Purple manager, said the shelter is need of additional volunteers and sleeping bags. For more information, call MacCallum at 718-820-2297.

SUSSEX COUNTY

Today, Feb. 12, through Sunday, Feb. 16: 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. At this time, the facility can house only individuals. Families seeking sanctuary from the snow and cold will be referred to an alternative housing option, permitting resource availability. For more information, call Nan Ruhl, director of Immanuel Shelter, at (302) 604-2619.

Ruhl said the shelter would take individuals from Kent County or elsewhere who are homeless 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 the person or family 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.