SNOWSTORM BRINGS NEW CODE PURPLE DECLARATIONS ACROSS THE STATE

NEW CASTLE (March 5, 2015) - With the forecast calling for 4 to 8 inches of snow across the state and much colder overnight temperatures, Code Purple declarations have been made in all three counties.

The volunteer-organized and volunteer-run Code Purple sites in houses of worship and community centers provide a sanctuary during snowstorms and sub-freezing temperatures for people who don't have a home. The National Weather Service's winter storm warning for all three counties continues through 7 p.m. today, with snow totals ranging from 4 to 8 inches and overnight lows Thursday and Friday in the teens.

"I want to thank all of the volunteer-organized Code Purple sites across our state for supporting people who are homeless throughout this long winter season," Gov. Jack Markell said. "Many of these locations report being at capacity on most nights. To me, this is truly neighbors helping neighbors."

Since 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 search for "Code Purple" on the Delaware 2-1-1 mobile app or on its website at delaware211.org

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

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 at the Newark Empowerment Center. The Wilmington program is operated in collaboration with the Salvation Army, and additional daytime sanctuaries may be available.

The Salvation Army has declared Code Purple in Wilmington for Thursday and Friday, the 37th and 38th nights of Code Purple this winter. The schedule:

• Through 8:30 p.m. today: Friendship House winter sanctuary, 720 N. Orange St., Wilmington. Hot beverages, restrooms and light supper.
• 9 p.m.-6 a.m. Thursday: Salvation Army overnight shelter, Fifth and Orange streets, Wilmington.
• 2:30-8:30 p.m. today: Friendship House winter sanctuary, 720 N. Orange St., Wilmington. Hot beverages, restrooms and light supper.
• 9 p.m.-6 a.m. Friday: Salvation Army overnight shelter, Fifth and Orange streets, Wilmington.

Newark: Code Purple is in effect in Newark on Thursday and Friday nights, operating from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in church space provided by eight different Newark faith communities on a rotating basis. Space in most places is limited to one or at most two rooms and can accommodate no more than 25 guests who are homeless. People in need are encouraged to pre-register from 1-4 p.m. daily at the Newark Empowerment Center, 69 E. Main St., Newark.

KENT COUNTY

Code Purple has been extended through Sunday, March 8. Morning leave time is 7 a.m. for each day listed. Call 1-800-733-6816 for any further updates this week. The schedule and locations:

• Thursday, March 5
  Dover Presbyterian (men only) opens 5 p.m.
  Wyoming UMC (men only) opens 6 p.m.
  Wesley UMC (women and children) opens 5 p.m.
  Milford Community Center (women and children) opens 5 p.m.
  Centennial UMC, Smyrna (men only) opens 5 p.m.

• Friday, March 6
  Dover Presbyterian (men only) opens 5 p.m.
  Wyoming UMC (men only) opens 6 p.m.
  Wesley UMC (women and children) opens 5 p.m.
  Milford Community Center (women and children) opens 5 p.m.
  Centennial UMC, Smyrna (men only) opens 5 p.m.

• Saturday, March 7
  Dover Presbyterian (men only) opens 5 p.m.
  Wyoming UMC (men only) opens 6 p.m.
  Wesley UMC (women and children) opens 5 p.m.
  Milford Community (women and children) opens 5 p.m.
  Centennial UMC, Smyrna (men only) opens 5 p.m.

• Sunday, March 8
  Mt Carmel (men only) opens 5 p.m.
  Wyoming UMC (men only) opens 6 p.m.
  Milford Community (women and children) opens 5 p.m.
  Centennial UMC, Smyrna (men only) opens 5 p.m.

Addresses for the Sanctuaries:

• Calvary Baptist Church 410 Fulton St., Dover
• Centennial UMC 44 East Mount Vernon St., Smyrna
• Christ Church 523 South State St., Dover
• Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing 684 Forest St., Dover
• Dover Presbyterian Church 54 S. State St., Dover (entrance is on Reed Street)
• Milford Community Center 105 NE Front St., Milford Mt Carmel Church 117 N. West St., Dover
• Wesley UMC 209 S. State St., Dover (building behind the Church on East North Street - purple lights in the window)
• Wyoming UMC 216 Wyoming Mill Road, Dover

SUSSEX COUNTY

While there is not a defined lead agency that officially activates Code Purple, there are several local champions and Code Purple sites that lead efforts to support people who are homeless in Sussex County. These include:

• Eastern Sussex: Faith Methodist United Methodist Church supports the operation of Immanuel Emergency Shelter, 37439 Oyster House Road, Rehoboth Beach, from Monday through Friday throughout the winter.
  
• Western Sussex: Code Purple has been declared beginning today through Sunday, March 8. Call Nikki at 302-519-0024. Both locations will have slightly extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays. The sites are:
• Stein Highway Church of God (for men), 425 E. Stein Highway, Seaford. Hours are 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. The church operates a day-care center from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Gateway Fellowship (for women and children), 8110 Cannon Road, Bridgeville. Hours are 8:30 p.m. to 7:45 a.m. The women are transported to Gateway after eating dinner at Stein Highway with the men. The women are brought back into Seaford at the ACE Center at 8 a.m. each day.

Many of the Code Purple sites often need more volunteers, and more donations of money, sleeping supplies and food. The list of needed items include: blankets, cots, sleeping bags, backpacks, towels and wash cloths, hand wipes and sanitizers, feminine products, toothbrushes and toothpaste, disinfectant spray, hats, scarves, gloves, boots, long underwear, coats, hand or feet warmers, bottled water, pre-cooked or frozen meals, instant hot drinks, ready-to-eat food with easy-opening lids, and garbage bags.

"We are grateful to the volunteers across our state who have provided so much support, safety and comfort this winter to people who are homeless," Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf said. "The Code Purple sites not only provide for people's basic needs, but they also give them hope. Until government and nonprofit partners can find transitional or permanent housing for all of the individuals and families who are homeless in our state, we are grateful for the critical service that the Code Purple locations are providing."

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.