DELAWARE (1/7/2015) Code Purple will be in effect through Sunday to shelter the homeless as cold weather grips the state. Various shelters, organized and staffed by volunteers, are available through the program.
“We are grateful to the many volunteers across our state who are there to open the doors to our neighbors in need,” Gov. Jack Markell said in a statement released today. “With dangerous temperatures and wind chills predicted tonight, I urge Delawareans who see people out who don’t appear to have a place to go to call 9-1-1, so police can help get them to a safe location.”
Operations vary from site to site. To be connected to Code Purple resources, call Delaware 2-1-1, search for “Code Purple” on the Delaware 2-1-1 mobile app or on its website at www.delaware211.org.
NEW CASTLE COUNTY
The main code purple site for the county is the Salvation Army Shelter at Fifth and Orange streets in Wilmington, according to Friendship House CEO Bill Perkins. Since it is only open from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., Friendship House offers winter sanctuary from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew at 720 N. Orange St., Wilmington. Weekday mornings when people leave the Salvation Army the Friendship House day centers are already open to receive them, Perkins said. “Our men’s center is at 226 N. Walnut St.; our women’s center is at 720 N. Orange St.” The weekend schedule is different:
Friday, Jan. 9
• 2:30 – 8:30 p.m.: Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew (720 N Orange St.)
• 9 p.m.– 6 a.m.: Salvation Army (5th & Orange St., Wilmington)
Saturday, Jan. 10
• 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.: First & Central Presbyterian Church (1101 N. Market St., Wilmington)
• 2:30 – 8:30 p.m.: Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew (720 N Orange St., Wilmington)
• 9 p.m. – 6 a.m.: Salvation Army (5th & Orange St., Wilmington)
Sunday, Jan. 11:
• 5:30-8 a.m.: Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew (720 N. Orange St.)
• 8 a.m.-noon : Trinity Episcopal Church (11th & Adams streets, Wilmington)
Only if needed:
• 2:30 – 8:30 p.m.: Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew (720 N. Orange St)
• 9 p.m. – 6 a.m.: Salvation Army (5h & Orange)
Perkins said anyone needing Code Purple sanctuary in Newark should contact the Newark Empowerment Center at 302-544-0165.
KENT COUNTY
The following sanctuaries will be open in Kent County, according to Milford police:
Wednesday, Jan. 7
• Dover Presbyterian Church (men only) opens 5 p.m. 54 S. State St., Dover (Entrance on Reed Street). Overflow to Dover Interfaith Mission
• Wesley UMC (women and children) opens 5 p.m. 209 S. State St., Dover (Building behind the church on E. North Street- purple lights in window).
• Milford Community Center (women and children) opens 5 p.m. 105 NE Front St., Milford. Direct line 302-725-0770
Thursday, Jan. 8
• Dover Presbyterian Church (men only) opens 5 p.m. Overflow to Dover Interfaith Mission
• Wesley UMC (women and children) opens 5 p.m.
• Wyoming UMC (women and children) opens 6 p.m. 216 Wyoming Mill Road, Wyoming.
• Milford Community Center (women and children) opens 5 p.m. Direct line 302-725-0770
Friday, Jan. 9
• Dover Presbyterian Church (men only) opens 5 p.m. Overflow to Dover Interfaith Mission.
• Shepherd’s Place (women and children) opens 5 p.m. 1362 S. Governors Ave., Dover.
• Wyoming UMC (women and children) opens 6 p.m.
• Milford Community Center (women and children) opens 5 p.m. Direct line 302-725-0770
Saturday, Jan. 10
• Dover Presbyterian Church (men only) opens 5 p.m. Overflow to Dover Interfaith Mission
• Shepherd’s Place (women and children) opens 5 p.m.
• Milford Community Center (women and children) opens 5 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 11
• Mt. Carmel Church (men only), 117 N. West St., Dover
• Shepherd’s Place (women and children) opens 5 p.m.
• Milford Community Center (women and children) opens 5 p.m.
Morning leave time is 7 a.m. for each day listed, sanctuaries will be closed as of Monday January 12th at 7am unless further notice.
SUSSEX COUNTY
Several agencies are involved with Code Purple, including:
• Faith Methodist United Methodist Church supports the operation of Immanuel Emergency Shelter, 37439 Oyster House Road, Rehoboth Beach, from Monday through Friday throughout the winter. Call Janice at 302-212-2971.
• Seaford Interfaith Code Purple Mission Inc., has declared Code Purple through Sunday and has opened its shelter for men and women at Stein Highway Church of God, 425 E. Stein Highway, Seaford. Hours are from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Note: The church operates a day-care center from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The site will have slightly extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays. Call Niki at 302-519-0024.