As Cold Hits, Norristown Salvation Army Opens Emergency Shelter

NORRISTOWN, PA — With temperatures plummeting and a wind chill in the teens, the Salvation Army of Norristown has opened an emergency shelter for the homeless population in the area.

A Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency is in place in Montgomery County from 8 p.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Saturday. Code Blue is declared when life-threatening weather, defined as a wind-chill below 20 degrees, is imminent.

The Salvation Army, located at 533 Swede Street, is setting up cots in their gym for 15 women in need of a warm place to sleep, they announced Friday. Meals will also be provided.

Families with children in need of emergency housing may stay in the shelter's family facilities.

Residents of Montgomery County who need shelter during a Code Blue can also go to the Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center (CHOC) in Building 53 at the Norristown State Hospital grounds. If needed, transportation will be provided. The CHOC is a 50-bed shelter for single residents. The phone number for the CHOC is 610-292-9244.

Families can also be sheltered at the Salvation Army in Pottstown.

• Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center (CHOC)

Patch file photo