By Jack Tomczuk

Amid Philadelphia’s first significant snowfall of the season, the city has opened up warming centers for homeless individuals and others looking to escape the frigid conditions.

As much as 5 inches fell in some neighborhoods, according to measurements posted by the National Weather Service. The NWS’s Philadelphia/Mt. Holly Office predicted that wind chills could dip near or below 0 degrees Sunday night into Monday morning, and low temperatures are anticipated to continue through at least Tuesday.

“We do not want anyone to spend a single night on a sidewalk, below an underpass, in an alleyway or on someone’s stoop,” said Cheryl Hill, executive director of the city’s Office of Homeless Services, in a statement. “We will have enough beds for anyone who needs one. Plus, in the event our beds are filled, our warming centers will be an option that will save lives.”

About 400 shelter beds are added during the winter months, and as many as 50 more are opened up when the city declares a “Code Blue,” according to OHS representatives.

A Code Blue is triggered when the forecast calls for a wind chill of 20 degrees or below, or if temperatures drop under 33 degrees with rain, sleet or snow. Philadelphia is now in an “Enhanced Code Blue,” which goes into effect when such conditions persist for at least three consecutive nights.

During all Code Blues, the city deploys extra 24/7 homeless outreach teams. Anyone who needs help or is trying to assist someone sleeping outside is urged to call the outreach hotline at 215-232-1984.

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration, in response to the “enhanced” designation, has revived a warming center initiative her team expanded nearly a year ago. The Enhanced Code Blue began Saturday night and will remain in place until further notice, city officials said.

On Sunday afternoon, a map on the city’s website showed 16 warming sites in operation, mostly Free Library of Philadelphia branches and Department of Parks and Recreation facilities. Some are open during the day, while others serve people in need during the overnight hours.

Residents can call the homeless outreach hotline if they need a ride to a center. The sites, in addition to warmth, offer snacks and water.

“This Enhanced Code Blue response is an all-hands-on-deck, around-the-clock operation,” Deputy City Managing Director Dominick Mireles said in a statement. “We are ready to support our most vulnerable Philadelphians, so please use these services during the dangerous cold.”

Keywords

Enhanced Code Blue,

Homeless Services,

Warming Centers,

Philadelphia,

Snowfall