IN ANTICIPATION OF NEW COLD WAVE, CODE PURPLE SHELTERS OPEN IN DELAWARE

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 27, 2014) - As Delaware prepares for a new cold wave, Code Purple locations have been established in New Castle and Sussex counties to help people who are homeless find a warm 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 for today, Jan. 27, through Friday, Jan. 31. 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. 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 Newark faith communities offers emergency sanctuary from dusk to dawn (6 p.m.-6 a.m.). 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 cold weather 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, 69 E. Main St. The center's office hours are 1-4 p.m.

SUSSEX COUNTY

Today, Jan. 27, through Sunday, Feb. 2: 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 only house individuals. Families seeking sanctuary from the cold weather will be referred to an alternative housing option, permitting resource availability. For more information, please 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 in 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 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.