Philadelphia in Code Blue: Everything to know about its warming center initiative
PHILADELPHIA - On Tuesday, leaders from several departments announced more details of the Code Blue Warming Center initiative, which includes 20 warming centers open across the city—including one in every neighborhood and council district.
The hours vary, but at least three locations are open 24 hours, including the center at 220 N. Broad Street.
A woman who asked that we keep her anonymous says she is grateful she has been able to use the center for the past few days.
"It’s bitter cold, I walked a couple blocks and my hands were frozen," she said. "It’s nice and comfortable, it’s nice and warm, beds are nice. At this time I’m going through some personal problems with my family, I’m here to get everything straight."
City officials say on Sunday, more than 40 people utilized the services. That number jumped to approximately 1,000 on Monday.
Philly warming centers: Places to seek warmth, shelter amid frigid weather
Amid the frigid weather during the area's first significant snow storm of the winter, The city of Philadelphia has opened 20 new warming centers to help keep folks warm and properly sheltered.
"This cold is not just uncomfortable, it is deadly, it is dangerous, so this is a crisis for folks who don’t have a place to go," said Adam Thiel, Managing Director for the city.
The Office of Homeless Services says they up their usual 3,000 shelter beds during the winter by about 300, but they added even more, approximately 100, during this Code Blue event.
Thiel says for as long as he has worked for the city, they always have one available.
"We have folks that we engage all the time that are simply not willing," he said. "During these cold weather periods, it gives us the chance to engage with these folks in a more concentrated manner and hopefully get them into a warming center, get them into a shelter."
Blanca Torres-Kelmendi, of Juniata Park, says she relies on the Juniata Older Adult Center, which serves as a warming center from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., for a variety of services. She sees and agrees with the need, but says she also has concerns.
"It’s a balance, it’s a health hazard, but for us, as long as they’re helping us keep the place clean and to help one another we can work together."
If you see someone who needs shelter, call 215-232-1984.