Cold Weather, Critical Need: The Importance of Code Blue Shelters

Cold Weather, Critical Need: The Importance of Code Blue Shelters

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:

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:

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.