Essex County Issues Code Blue: Homeless Residents At Risk

Essex County officials issued a Code Blue warning on Friday in anticipation of a “potentially paralyzing” nor’easter that could be the worst storm of the season.

• See related article: N.J. Storm Updates: Blizzard Threat Upgraded, Flights Cancelled

The Code Blue will be in effect from 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, to 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 25.

According to county officials:

“Conditions for a Code Blue are defined as when the temperature drops below 15 degrees for a 48-hour period or when the wind chill is below 0 degrees. When those conditions are met, or when the weather forecast predicts these conditions, the county executive can proclaim a Code Blue and enact the procedure.

“When a Code Blue is declared, a network of warming stations operated by the county and its municipalities and shelters operated by the community based organizations will be opened. The warming stations identified include Essex County Codey Arena and a variety of public libraries, senior centers, civic and community centers, school buildings, houses of worship, firehouses and first aid squad buildings. Warming stations are generally opened during the day and may not provide overnight accommodations. Shelters do provide overnight accommodations. In addition, shelters that regularly require occupants to leave during the day will suspend that practice so people can stay indoors.”

A list of available warming stations and shelters is available on www.NJ211.org, or available by dialing 2-1-1.

“Providing our homeless residents with a warm place to stay during extreme weather conditions is important for their safety and well-being,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. stated.

Active Shelters and Warming Centers in Essex County

East Orange, Essex County LGBT RAIN Foundation

168 Park Street

862-444-0582

Accepts Males/ Females

Open 24 hours

East Orange, East Orange Public Library

21 S Arlington Avenue

Open: Mon - Thu - 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Fri - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Sat - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Newark, Apostle House

16-18 Grant Street

973-482-8865

Women and Children Only

Open 24 hours

Newark, Catholic Charities-St. Rocco’s

366-368 So. 7th Street

973-286-4175 / 973-286-4176

Accepts Families

Open 24 hours

Newark, Catholic Charities-St. Bridget’s

404 University Avenue

973-799-0484

Accepts Males

Open 24 hours

Newark, Circle of Life

55 Tillinghast Street

862-763-4859

Accepts Males/Females

Open 24 hours

Newark, Covenant House

330 Washington Street

973-621-8705 (press 0)

Accepts Young Adults

Open 24 hours

Newark, FP Youth Outcry/The HUBB (Help Us Become Better)

135 Prince Street

973-732-4690; 973-350-4137

Youth Outcry Foundation, open 8:00 pm-8:00 am during Code Blue as a Warming Center for single adult males and females.

Newark, Fairmont Shelter

202 Fairmont Avenue

973-643-7705

Accepts Males/Females

Open 24 hours

Newark YMCA

600 Broad Street

973-624-8900 (call to confirm space)

Accepts Families

Open 24 hours

Newark, United Community Corporation

31 Fulton Street

973-621-8295

Accepts Males/Females

Warming Center Only (7am-5pm)

Newark, Urban Renewal Corp

689 So. 16th Street

973-371-1980

Accepts Males/Females

Open 24 hours