DHSS Press Release

ORGANIZED BY PLACES OF WORSHIP AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS, CODE PURPLE LOCATIONS EXPAND ACROSS THE STATE FOR THE COMING WINTER

NEW CASTLE (Dec. 10, 2014) – With the support of people from across Delaware, Code Purple locations are expanding statewide for the coming winter months. Code Purple sites support individuals who are homeless in finding a place of refuge during dangerous winter conditions.p>

Organized and staffed by volunteers, Code Purple sites in all three counties typically are located at houses of worship and community shelters. The sites provide safe, warm and short-term housing and hot meals to individuals and families who are homeless when winter-weather conditions – low temperatures, low wind chills, or heavy snow – make it difficult for anyone to be outside for extended periods.

“The efforts of Code Purple organizers across our state illustrate the best of Delaware, with neighbors helping neighbors in need,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “I offer my thanks to the volunteers who staff the sites and to the generous Delawareans who provide sleeping materials, food, and other donations to operate the locations.” 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, search for “Code Purple” on the Delaware 2-1-1 mobile app or on its website at www.delaware211.org

During dangerous weather conditions, care for our Delawareans who are homeless is essential and requires teamwork,” Delaware 2-1-1 Director Donna Snyder White said. “Delaware 2-1-1 is grateful to have the opportunity to support dedicated community leaders and volunteers who open their doors to provide a place of refuge, and give their time and talents to serve our neighbors in need,”
Locations include:

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 done in collaboration with the Salvation Army. For more information about Code Purple nights in New Castle County, call Bill Perkins at 559-5716. Perkins is known in the community for his commitment to support people who are homeless.

• Wilmington: The Salvation Army offers Code Purple night sanctuary in its gym at Fifth and Orange Street from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Until the Salvation Army opens, Friendship House offers Code Purple early-evening sanctuary in the auditorium of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, at 720 N. Orange St., from 3-8:30 p.m. To provide people with a place to go when Code Purple site closes in the morning, Friendship House also offers early-morning winter sanctuary. Weekdays: 226 N Walnut Street; Saturdays: 1101 N. Market St; and Sundays: 720 N. Orange St.
• Newark: When activated, Code Purple in Newark operates 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.

Kent County: In Kent County, Code Purple is declared when the temperature or wind chill falls below 32 degrees. The Code Purple status can be determined by calling 1-800-733-6816 to listen to a pre-recorded message, which is updated frequently, and will identify Code Purple sites that are open in Kent County. Currently, Code Purple is in effect in Kent County and the following locations will open at 5 p.m. today, Dec. 10, and remain open Thursday, Dec. 11, and Friday, Dec. 12: Mt. Carmel Church (for men), Dover Interfaith Mission (if needed for overflow of men), Calvary Baptist (for women and children), and Wesley United Methodist Church (for families). Morning leave time is 7 a.m. for each day listed. Purple flags and lights on buildings (Legislative Hall in Dover and at various Delaware social services locations) will be another indicator that Code Purple in Kent County has been declared.

Champions and strong supporters of Code Purple in Kent County include Rebecca Martin, Allen Angel and Jeanine Kleimo, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (lead agency). For questions, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing can be reached at 736-3600 or email interfaithdover@verizon.net .

Current approved sanctuaries:

• Dover Presbyterian Church, 54 S. State St., Dover, 734-3313 (women and children).
• Mt. Carmel Church of the Living God, 117 N. West St., Dover, 734-4443 (men only).
• The Shepherd Place, 1362 S. Governors Ave., Dover, 678-1909 (for overflow when available).
• Calvary Baptist Church, Fulton Street, Dover, 736-6554 (women and children).
• Wesley United Methodist Church, 209 S. State St., Dover, 678-9626 (women, children and families).
• Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (for overflow only when available) 500 W. Lookerman St., Dover. 736-3600

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. Call Nan Ruhl, director of Immanuel Shelter, at 604-2619.
• Central Sussex: Phila Pentecostal Holiness Church, 13724 S Old State Road, Ellendale. 422-5306.
• Western Sussex: Seaford Interfaith Code Purple Mission Inc., official business address is P. O. Box 1234, Seaford, DE 19973; contact: D.C. Brown can be reached by email at d-c_brown@juno.com, 344-2968. In Western Sussex, Code Purple is declared when temperatures reach 32 degrees or lower. Location of Code Purple site: Stein Highway Church of God, 425 E. Stein Highway, Seaford, 629-8583. Hours of operation will be from approximately 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Note: The church operates a day-care center from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The site will have slightly extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays.

Many of the Code Purple sites across the state often need more volunteers, and more donations of money, sleeping supplies and food. The list of needed items include: blankets, cots, sleeping bags, 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.

“Until government and nonprofit partners can find transitional or permanent housing for the hundreds of individuals and families who are homeless in our state, we are grateful that Code Purple sites will provide people in need with a warm place to stay, a hearty meal and a welcoming hand on the worst weather days this winter,” DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf said. “If you see anyone without a place to go this winter, we urge you to refer them to the nearest Code Purple location or to Delaware 2-1-1 to be connected to services.”

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.