Jack Frost has wrapped his frigid fingers around our region and he hasn’t shown interest of letting go anytime soon. There’s no denying it: winter’s chill has landed in Bucks County. For many of us, the icy weather provides opportunities to cozy up by the fire with our loved ones. However, for individuals experiencing homelessness, those harsh winter nights can be life-threatening. Exposure to cold weather can cause hypothermia and frostbite. Emergency shelters are critical in keeping vulnerable community members safe during these dangerous conditions. Thankfully, in Bucks County, Code Blue shelters offer our homeless neighbors a warm place to stay when temperatures drop below 26°F (in Central Bucks the threshold is 28°F or below). These shelters rely on community support and volunteers to remain operational throughout the winter. What Is Code Blue? A Code Blue is declared when temperatures or wind chills drop to 26°F or lower. However, some shelters have different criteria for opening. Contributing factors include wind chill, precipitation, and available volunteers. During Code Blue, emergency shelters open to provide warmth and safety overnight for those in need. Bucks County has Code Blue shelters in Lower, Central, and Upper Bucks. These shelters ensure that individuals facing homelessness have a safe place to escape the cold. Code Blue Shelters in Bucks County Lower Bucks County Advocates for Homeless & Those in Need (AHTN) operates the Code Blue Shelter in Lower Bucks County. The shelter will open December 1st through March 31, when the temperature is 26 degrees or below, including wind chill, and when they can secure 18 volunteers for each night. Guests need to be 18 or older as they do not take children. Locations: December 2024: Shir Ami 101 Richboro Newtown Road, Newtown, PA 18940 January 2025: Woodside Church 1667 Edgewood Road, Yardley, PA 19067 February 2025: Calvary Baptist Church 250 Green Lane, Bristol, PA 19007 March 2025: Morrisville Presbyterian Church 771 N. Pennsylvania Ave, Morrisville, PA 19067 Contact: Visit AHTN.org by 10:00 AM to check if the shelter is open. Call (215) 550-3868 x100 for updates. Central Bucks County Coalition to Shelter and Support the Homeless (CSSH) operates the Code Blue Shelter in Central Bucks County. The shelter is open from December 1 through March 31, when the temperature is 28 degrees or below, including wind chill. This year, the the shelter will open each Wednesday, regardless of temperature, when enough volunteers are available. Doors open at 7:30PM with walk-ins at anytime after. Guests are bussed out in the morning at 6:45AM. Locations: December 2024: Neshaminy Warwick Presbyterian Church 1401 Meetinghouse Road, Warminster, PA 18974 January 2025: Our Lady of Guadalupe 5194 Cold Spring Creamery Road, Doylestown, PA 18902 February 2025: Doylestown Presbyterian Church 127 East Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 March 2025: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 301 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 Contact: Visit co2ssh.org to check shelter status. Call 866-390-0291 x701 for more information. Upper Bucks County The Advocates for the Homeless of Upper Bucks (AHUB) operates the Code Blue Shelter in Upper Bucks County. They are open when temperatures are projected to be 26 degrees or colder, or 32 degrees or colder with precipitation and/or strong winds. The shelter is open from November 15 through April 15. Shelter doors are open from 8:30PM-11PM. After 11PM, guests must have a police escort. Location: November 2024-April 2025: The Quakertown Masonic Lodge 501 W. Broad Street, Quakertown, PA 18951 Contact: Visit the Upper Bucks Code Blue Facebook Page. Call the shelter hotline at 267-450-5191. How You Can Help Bucks County Code Blue Shelters When temperatures drop, those experiencing homelessness face life-threatening risks. A warm shelter can mean the difference between life and death on a freezing night. Code Blue shelters provide safety, but they can’t operate without volunteers. Your time and effort can help protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Volunteer Opportunities The Lower Bucks County Shelter urgently needs volunteer drivers and bus attendants to help transport guests to and from the shelter. To volunteer, contact Hilary Walp at Hwalp@ahtn.org. For more details, visit ahtn.org/volunteer-with-ahtn. At the Central Bucks County Shelter, volunteers are needed to help staff the shelter during Code Blue activations. To get involved, contact Megan Williams at 866-390-0291 ext. 0 or email codeblue@co2ssh.org. Visit co2ssh.org/about-volunteering to learn more. The Upper Bucks County Shelter is seeking female overnight volunteers to cover shifts from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM and 2:00 AM to 7:00 AM. If you’re interested, contact Pastor Dave Heckler at prdaveheckler@gmail.com. Spread the Word Share information about Code Blue shelters and volunteer opportunities with your network. Raising awareness helps ensure more people receive shelter and support during cold weather. Follow the shelters’ operating organizations on social media to stay informed and help spread the word: Lower Bucks County Shelter: Advocates for Homeless & Those in Need Central Bucks County Shelter: Coalition to Shelter and Support the Homeless Upper Bucks County Shelter: Upper Bucks Code Blue Stay Safe This Winter In areas like Bucks County, the idea of being homeless can feel foreign. However, many of us are closer to homelessness than we might think. Unexpected events like job loss or medical emergencies can lead to housing instability. A 2019 report revealed that 40% of Americans are just one missed paycheck away from poverty, with 59% of Americans considered at risk of homelessness. Moreover, a 2021 study found that 53% of individuals living in homeless shelters and 40% of unsheltered individuals were employed, either full or part-time, during the year they experienced homelessness. When we talk about homelessness, we’re not talking about strangers wandering the streets. We’re talking about our neighbors, our coworkers, and our family. Winter can be dangerous for those without housing, and any of us could face similar challenges. Code Blue shelters save lives, but they need community support to operate. Volunteer, donate, or spread the word to help keep everyone safe and warm this winter. For immediate shelter assistance, contact the Bucks County Housing Link at 1-800-810-4434 or visit the Housing Link website.
As the holiday season unfolds, the spirit of giving has truly shined across Bucks County. Each year, food drives organized by community members and local organizations play a vital role in helping families who face food insecurity. At Bucks County Housing Group (BCHG), we are proud to partner with these compassionate individuals and groups to distribute food to those who need it most. This season, our community stepped up in remarkable ways, reminding us all of the power of collective action. Donations like these ensure that every family can share a meal this Thanksgiving. Here’s how Bucks County came together to lend a helping hand to our most vulnerable neighbors. Spotlight on Bucks County’s Community Efforts We were deeply moved by the multitude of food drives held by so many of our community partners this year. Their efforts touched countless lives this holiday season and we are incredibly grateful for everyone’s contributions! Bucks County Association of Realtors (BCAR) The Bucks County Association of Realtors has been a steadfast supporter of BCHG for years. This season, their members held food drives in realty offices all across the county and collected an astounding number of donations. Their commitment to helping families in need is a shining example of what community leadership looks like. Ann’s Choice Senior Living Ann’s Choice organized a food drive that brought residents and staff together to support BCHG’s mission. From canned goods to boxed staples, their donations will help stock shelves through the busy holiday season and beyond. Their drive demonstrated how small acts of kindness can add up to a big impact! Bike Works Cranksgiving Bike Works hosted its 12th annual Cranksgiving ride, where cyclists combined their passion for riding with a commitment to fighting hunger. This year’s event was an incredible success, resulting in the donation of over 3,000 pounds of food to BCHG’s Doylestown pantry. Riders purchased food items during their route, filling donation bins to ensure local families had access to meals during the holiday season. A huge thank-you goes to Backyard Beans Coffee Company for fueling the riders with pre-ride coffee and to Fred Beans Auto Group for providing the box truck that made transporting all the donations possible. Corporations that support their local community like this are the gold standard! Comprehensive Learning Center For Individuals with Autism (CLC) The CLC community collected an incredible 247 pounds of food during their drive this fall. A special shoutout to Tony, Brandon, and Julia M. for delivering the donations to our Penndel pantry! Rep. Jim Prokopiak State Representative Jim Prokopiak organized a food drive through his office, mobilizing constituents to join the fight against hunger. The drive collected an impressive array of goods, from hearty soups to baking supplies, helping families create full meals during the holidays. His leadership serves as a powerful example of how elected officials can inspire change. Plumstead 9U Baseball Team Plumstead Baseball’s 9-and-under team joined us at the Doylestown food pantry, where they packed Thanksgiving dinner bags for distribution. Their energy and teamwork brought joy to the pantry and highlighted the value of youth engagement in giving back to the community. The Impact on Our Community Thanks to our community’s support, BCHG distributed over 200 turkeys and Thanksgiving dinner bags this holiday season. These contributions ensured that hundreds of families could sit down to a warm, traditional holiday meal. Each donation—whether it came from a cycling event, a student-led initiative, or a youth sports team—helped us provide comfort and hope to those facing food insecurity. Moreover, these efforts not only addressed immediate needs but also brought a sense of joy and dignity to families who might otherwise have gone without. Ultimately, the distribution of turkeys and meal bags was a tangible reminder of what we can achieve when our community comes together. How You Can Help Inspired by these acts of kindness? You can make a difference, too! This Giving Tuesday, join the movement by supporting BCHG’s mission to fight hunger and homelessness in our community. Follow BCHG on social media to stay updated on our ongoing initiatives and opportunities to get involved. Organize a food drive, volunteer, or donate. Your contribution—big or small—makes a meaningful impact on the lives of your neighbors. Gratitude and Looking Ahead We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible organizations above, as well as the countless individuals who have contributed to our mission this fall. Although we may not realize it, many families in our community could have faced an empty table this Thanksgiving. However, because of your support, hundreds can now gather and enjoy a warm meal this holiday season. As we look ahead, let’s carry this spirit of community and compassion into the new year. Together, we can continue to close the door on hunger and homelessness.
Autumn Arrives and Temperatures Fall The trees have adopted hues of crimson and marigold, morning frosts begin to creep in, and a faint scent of bonfires permeates the evening air. It’s unmistakably autumn in Bucks County. While our region’s beauty is breathtaking in the fall, it also poses many challenges for families facing housing instability. This week saw warmer than usual temperatures in the daytime, but sunset still brings a chill that can be harsh for those without proper shelter. At Bucks County Housing Group, we understand how crucial the fall season is for those in need, and we’re committed to stepping up our support to ensure no one is left out in the cold. How Seasonal Changes Affect Vulnerable Families Fall presents unique hardships for individuals experiencing housing insecurity. As temperatures drop, living without reliable shelter becomes not only uncomfortable but dangerous. Families struggling financially may face increased utility costs as they try to keep their homes warm. This can lead to difficult choices—sacrificing rent to pay for heat or cutting back on groceries to cover higher energy bills. For those experiencing homelessness, the cold weather makes finding safe, temporary housing an urgent need. Sleeping in a car, on a friend’s couch, or outdoors becomes even more precarious. Fall also ushers in the back-to-school season, a particularly stressful time for families who lack stable housing. Uncertainty about where they will sleep adds emotional strain, particularly for children trying to succeed in school despite their unstable living conditions. Resources for Enduring Cold Weather Hardships At BCHG, we dedicate ourselves to offering relief during these challenging times. Our programs deliver shelter, long-term housing support, and essential resources to those in need. As the season shifts, the needs of our clients change, and we address these challenges directly. If you or someone you know are facing housing instability this season, the resources below are available to help: BCHG’s Supportive Housing Program Bucks County Housing Group operates several programs to house individuals and families in situations of crisis. Our Supportive Housing Program assists families with the highest barriers to obtaining housing at four different sites, through apartments that are owned or master-leased by us. The Bucks County Housing Link If you are currently homeless or facing a crisis that can result in the loss of your home, The Housing Link can connect you with experienced staff members that can listen to your situation and advise you on what your next step should be. With their wide network of connections with nearly every major organization in the Bucks County area, they will be able to offer you the best help. Bucks County Housing Resource Directory The Bucks County Resource Directory, sometimes referred to as the “pink pages” is a seasonally updated list of services designed to assist children, youth, families, and others struggling with a variety of issues here in our county. If you are looking for a specific organization or a brief summary of the types of groups in Bucks County and a list of them, this is where you will find it. Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) LIHEAP is a federal program that helps low-income households with their heating and cooling expenses. Eligibility is based on income, and the program offers assistance with heating bills, cooling bills, and weatherization services. Lend Your Neighbor a Helping Hand This Fall BCHG relies on community support to continue providing these essential services. This fall, we invite you to join our mission. Donate: Your contributions provide housing assistance, emergency shelter, and meals for people in need. Even small donations make a big difference during tough times. Volunteer: We need compassionate volunteers at our food pantries and housing facilities. Your time can make a lasting impact. Host a Drive: Organize donation drives for warm clothing, blankets, and essentials to help families during the colder months. Spread Awareness: Follow us on social media, share our posts, and encourage others to get involved. Raising awareness is a big part of solving housing instability. As the season progresses, remember those in our community facing housing insecurity. Together, we can make a lasting difference. Explore our programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to donate on our website and help us make an impact.
Making a Difference at Doylestown’s Food Pantry At Bucks County Housing Group, our mission to end hunger and homelessness would be impossible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers. Among them is Maureen Piccillo, whose passion for serving the community shines through her volunteer work at our Doylestown food pantry. With a heart full of compassion and a commitment to helping neighbors in need, Maureen has become an invaluable part of our team, making a real difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity. Her story is one of kindness, generosity, and a shared belief in building a stronger, more supportive community. A Day in the Life at the Food Pantry Like most volunteers at our pantries, Maureen’s responsibilities vary day-to-day. For example, Tuesday could entail inspecting and bagging freshly donated produce, but Wednesday is all about setting up for the evening’s distribution. Though she has many valuable skills, Maureen is most famous for her warmth and personable demeanor when interacting with clients. Incidentally, that’s also one of Maureen’s favorite parts of volunteering. “The most rewarding part is the interaction with the clients. They always give me a smile and a thank you. Not only do they thank us for the food, they thank us just for volunteering,” Maureen says. “Recently, a woman asked if we had any special dessert items because it was her birthday. I was able to give her a beautiful chocolate mousse that a local grocer donated. She was so happy to get it and said it made her day.” Small gestures like this demonstrate the profound impact we can have when our community works together. Understanding the Needs of Our Community Though we may not realize it, there are many families in Bucks County facing food insecurity. In 2022, Feeding America found that 56,670 individuals in our community were considered food insecure. Our Doylestown and Penndel pantries strive to alleviate that insecurity, but there is still more work to be done. Maureen shared some valuable insight gained through her time volunteering. “Living in Bucks County, we can be unaware of the many, many individuals and families that live among us who rely on the pantry to provide even the most basic of necessities. More importantly, we all must realize that anyone can experience a life changing event (economic, personal tragedy, or family situation) that transforms us and puts us in a position where we require help.” Follow Maureen’s Lead Get involved! When asked what she’d say to someone considering volunteering for the first time, her advice was simple and direct. “Do it! It can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. The volunteers that I work with have been here for years. It’s a testament to their commitment, as well as their love for the work.” We are always in need of volunteers and donations at our pantries, and your contribution will impact the people in our community who need it most. As Helen Keller famously said, “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Volunteers like Maureen embody this collaborative spirit with the work they do in the name of generosity and mutual aid. If you’d like to join Maureen in our fight against hunger and homelessness in Bucks County, you can sign up to volunteer at a food pantry or donate.
A new school year is upon us, and with it, feelings of excitement and opportunity are in the air. However, for many families, this season is anxiety-inducing. While the cost of school supplies can be overwhelming in its own right, some parents are more concerned about providing their children with basic necessities, like food and housing. Ensuring that children have access to nutritious food and stable housing is essential to their academic success and overall well-being. Food Insecurity and Academic Achievement Hunger is not a quantifiable phenomenon – it’s a feeling. Therefore, researchers instead study food insecurity, which can be measured with hard data from the US Department of Agriculture. If a family is food insecure, it means that the struggle to feed everyone in the household. In 2022, Feeding America found that nearly 12,000 children in Bucks County were experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity impacts all members of the family, but it is particularly detrimental to children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Children facing food insecurity are at a higher risk of asthma and anemia. These conditions can limit their participation in school activities both in and outside the classroom. In addition, food insecurity also negatively impacts children’s emotional health. According to Feeding America, children experiencing hunger are more likely develop behavioral problems like hyperactivity, anxiety, and aggression. Moreover, food insecurity affects focus, motor skills, and retention, all of which are fundamental to a student’s success. The Role of Stable Housing in Student Success In addition to food security, safe and stable housing plays a crucial role in a child’s ability to thrive. Several challenges encompass housing instability, such as difficulty paying rent, frequent moves, and overcrowding. At the most severe level, housing insecurity manifests as homelessness – something exceptionally traumatizing for a child. A 2018 study found that children who moved more than three times by age 7 had significantly more cognitive issues than their peers from stable homes. Thus, providing children with a secure home environment is vital to their development. Today’s children are growing up in increasingly uncertain times, so we must work to ensure the youngest members of our community can rely on a steady roof over their head each night. A Vicious Cycle The adverse impacts of food and housing insecurity stretch beyond the present moment – they can alter a child’s future. These challenges contribute to the cycle of poverty, as children with subpar academic performance typically have less access to upward socioeconomic mobility. Therefore, it is critical that childhood hunger is eliminated in order to assure that every student has a fair shot at prosperity. How BCHG is Fighting Food Insecurity and Housing Instability Here at BCHG, our Supportive Housing Programs work to provide families in Bucks County with access to attainable housing. Additionally, our food pantries in Doylestown and Penndel provide low-income families with access to the nourishment they need. This summer, with the help of Bucks County Association of Realtors, Ann’s Choice, and the United Way, we held multiple back-to-school drives and equipped students with backpacks full of school supplies. Making a Difference Together With the first day of school rapidly approaching, it is imperative that Bucks County takes action to provide families with healthy, affordable food and steady housing. You can help ensure the future of our community is empowered to reach their full potential by volunteering, donating, or even holding a drive of your own!