Code Purple locations are expanding this winter throughout the state.
Code Purple locations are places of refuge for the homeless during dangerous winter conditions and cold temperatures. According to a 2013 annual congressional report on homelessness, there is an estimated 946 homeless individuals in Delaware.
DHSS mainly coordinated Code Purple locations in New Castle and Sussex Counties last winter. This year is the first winter DHSS will work with Kent County locations.
Donna White, Director of Delaware 211, says that the decision to expand was an obvious one.
“Individuals who are homeless don’t just reside in New Castle County, or just reside in Kent County or even in Sussex," said White. "It’s important to help those people who do need a place to get out of harsh weather conditions that there are other sites, in addition to those that are available, who can provide that place of refuge and also to get a hot meal.”
The six Code Purple locations in Kent County include Dover Presbyterian Church, The Shepherd Place and Calvary Baptist Church.
Becky Martin, coordinator of Code Purple Kent County, says the Kent County locations are currently prepared to serve the homeless.
“We provide a dinner for them, a warm bed, and then we provide what’s called a ‘blessing bag’ and in that bag is emergency food for them. They also have handwarmers and we also provide clothes if clothes are necessary.”
Code Purple locations become available when temperatures or the wind chill dip past 32 degrees. Those exposed to cold temperatures for long periods of time could risk developing frostbite and hypothermia.
More information on the Code Purple locations can be accessed at the Delaware 211 website or by simply calling 211.
