Code Blue In Essex County: Shelters Open For Homeless, People In Need

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Code Blue alert is being rolled out in Essex County from 8 p.m. on Tuesday through 8 a.m. on Thursday to help protect people experiencing homelessness and others in need.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. and Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura announced that Code Blue procedures are being activated because extreme cold weather in the forecast.

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 are opened. The warming stations identified include 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.

For participating shelters, view the graphic below or visit www.nj211.org.

“Providing our homeless residents with a warm place to stay during extreme weather conditions is important for their safety and well-being. We thank our participating shelters and warming stations who are working with us to open their doors in these times of need,” DiVincenzo said.

“Our homeless residents need a warm place to stay when winter weather gets this bad. The organizations opening their doors are providing a great service and helping us protect the safety of these vulnerable residents,” Fontoura said.

• See Related: Essex County Leads NJ In Homelessness; See The Most Common Causes
• See Related: NJ Democrat, GOP Lawmakers Team Up For 'Code Blue' Bill

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