Code Blue In Effect, And You Can Help

Philadelphia is in Code Blue. 

This means two things: the extreme cold is creating life-threatening conditions for people who are homeless, and you can do your part to keep everyone safe. 

Your gift to Project HOME will encourage our Street Outreach teams who work around the clock in the extreme cold to connect people who are homeless with safe, indoor spaces, emergency shelter beds, or emergency housing.  

Your gift will also strengthen Project HOME’s comprehensive services that break the cycle of chronic street homelessness through permanent supportive housing, opportunities for employment, access to medical care, and education.  

And remember, if you see anyone who may be homeless outdoors during a Code Blue, you can call our Outreach hotline at 215-232-1984, and an Outreach team will be on their way.  

Make A Gift

What is Code Blue?  

The City of Philadelphia activates a Code Blue when we’re expecting severe and extended cold conditions, including:  

• When there is precipitation, and the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower; and/or 
• When it feels near or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit due to wind chill.  

In partnership with the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services and other service providers, Project HOME’s Street Outreach teams work 24-hour shifts during Code Blue to bravely increase their efforts to ensure that anyone who needs to come in from the cold has a safe and warm place to stay.

This includes:  

• Staffing for the 24-hour Homeless Outreach Hotline and real-time responses that help locate and support people who are experiencing homeless during Code Blue;   
• Connecting people who are homeless to all available beds within the emergency housing network; and,  
• Providing advocacy, care, and encouragement for people who are experiencing homeless to stay inside emergency housing until Code Blue is lifted.  

How Else Can I Help?  

You can help Project HOME in one of the following ways: 

• If you see someone who needs help during Code Blue, please call the 24-hour Homeless Outreach Hotline, 215-232-1984 
• Ready our outreach teams with winter essentials by purchasing items from our Amazon WishList.