Code Blue Provides Emergency Shelter for the Homeless
Code Blue is a term used when the outside temperature with wind chill has dropped, and the homeless are urged to seek emergency shelter. Code Blue is an emergency weather safety plan in effect from November 15th to March 15th that provides outreach, transportation, shelter, and a warm meal to the homeless on nights when the temperature with wind chill drops to 15 degrees or below. Code Blue officially runs between the hours of 8 pm to 8 am.
The William Mattar 4 Code Blue campaign raises awareness for Code Blue homeless shelters throughout the communities we serve. This awareness campaign highlights the lifesaving operations of Code Blue and the urgent call for donations, supplies, and volunteers so Code Blue homeless shelters can continue to help those in need this winter. As the number of people in need increases, we are asking for the public’s assistance in helping support our community’s Code Blue homeless shelters. Not all shelters are Code Blue shelters. Please follow one of the links below to support a Code Blue homeless shelter near you.
In the Spotlight – St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy Code Blue Shelter Supporter – Buffalo, New York
Located in Buffalo, New York, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy is part of the Buffalo Code Blue Collaborative and through combined outreach efforts, they search the streets on bitterly cold nights looking for people in need of food and shelter, encouraging them to go to a Code Blue shelter.
St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy has provided Code Blue shelter in the past and continues to support Code Blue programs in Buffalo, NY. However, Covid-19 and other factors have substantially increased the need for meals among the homeless and food-insecure population. This significant need has shifted St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy’s to focus on providing meals to the population at Restoration Society, Inc. Code Blue Shelter.
St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy’s support extends well beyond the Code Blue season, providing warm clothing, hats, boots, coats, and gloves, and basic toiletries in addition to thousands of weekly meals at their St. Luke’s campus.
William Mattar invites you to support St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy. As a 100% volunteer and donation-based organization, they rely on the public’s support so they can continue to provide help to those in need this winter. St. Luke’s does not receive funding from the government or the Catholic Diocese, and 98 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to their programs and to the people who desperately need help. A successful Code Blue would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of many volunteers, agencies, and community support. There are many ways you can help!
See below to support a Code Blue Shelter in your community:
Buffalo, NY
Restoration Society, Inc.: Harbor House
Founded in 1973, the Restoration Society, Inc. is a peer operated agency that offers recovery-based person centered services for adults 18 years or older in Western New York.
241 Genesee Street
Buffalo, NY 14204
Holy Cross
412 Niagara Street
Buffalo, NY
In WNY, if you know someone in need of shelter, please dial 211 or visit 211.org for information and resources.
Rochester, NY
Since 1952, the Open Door Mission provides for the spiritual and physical needs of the homeless men, women and children of Rochester, NY by restoring hope and changing lives.
156 Plymouth Ave
Rochester, NY 14608
The Guest House, run by Volunteers of America Upstate New York, provides immediate emergency shelter and support services for families. The shelter is one of only two shelters in Rochester, New York that allows families to remain together during a housing crisis.
214 Lake Avenue
Rochester, NY 14608
For 2021-22 REACH developed several separate shelter sites, providing each guest with a private room to minimize the threat of COVID spread. Work also continued preparing 720 West Main as a community resource center, central facility to support a planned scattered-site shelter model, and eventual winter shelter space.
In November 2022, REACH and its partners launched Project HAVEN, an 80-bed, 6-site year around shelter system for the most vulnerable people in our community. Project HAVEN will consist of our traditional low-barrier sites for guests, who are chronically homeless, an LGBTQIA+ location, sober living through a partnership with Recovery Houses of Rochester, and a shelter site specially designed for women facing the myriad issues of sex trafficking through a partnership with Brightstar Community. This emergency and transitional housing will also offer comprehensive support services, including help navigating other services available in the community.
720 West Main Street
Rochester, NY 14611
Syracuse, NY
Putting LOVE INTO ACTION through shelter, food, clothing, and hope in the Syracuse, Auburn and Binghamton areas.
155 Gifford Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Albany, NY
Joseph’s House provides emergency shelter and support services to men, women, and children. Joseph’s House’s mission is to provide non-judgmental services to end homelessness.
74 Ferry Street
Troy, NY 12180
Binghamton, NY
Volunteers of America Upstate New York
Volunteers of America is the only shelter in Binghamton that houses entire families, allowing men and women with children to stay together in a safe and stable environment. Every year, Volunteers of America serves nearly 100 families in the Binghamton area.
320 Chenango Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
YWCA provides individual clean, safe apartments for homeless or formerly homeless women and their dependent children. Empowering women in supportive housing programs to live independent, healthy lives.
80 Hawley Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
Elmira, NY
Second Place East Homeless Services
Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler Counties is committed to fighting poverty and serving all individuals in need. Catholic Charities provides emergency shelter and case management to address homelessness.
380 S Main Street
Elmira, NY 14901
