Code Blue 2025

Helping Homeless Shelters During the Bitter Cold Weather

When the temperature or windchill drops to 32 degrees or less, the Code Blue state of emergency is in effect for the homeless, urging them to seek shelter. Supporting a Code Blue shelter near you helps provide outreach, transportation, shelter, and a warm meal to the homeless.

Homelessness: A Community Crisis

91,000+

Estimated # of
Homeless in NY

168

Code Blue days across NYS
during 2022 - 23

801

# of homeless in WNY
under age 18 in 2021

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Ways to Help

Volunteer

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In WNY, if you know someone in need of shelter, please dial 211 or visit 211.org for information and resources.

St. Luke's Mission of Mercy Code Blue Shelter Supporter

St. Luke's Mission of Mercy Code Blue Shelter Supporter

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. Many factors have substantially increased the need for meals among the homeless and food-insecure population and distributes over 2,000 meals per day. 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

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Buffalo, NY

Restoration Society, Inc, : Harbor House

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241 Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14204The Restoration Society offers rehabilitation programs founded upon the recovery vision that all individuals can lead active lives filled with hope and satisfaction and make valuable contributions to our community.

Niagara Falls, NY

Community Missions Of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

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1570 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14303Since its founding in 1925, Community Missions has provided a unique blend of services to address the needs of the Niagara community. Initially they served homeless individuals and now provide 22 programs to help the community.

Rochester, NY

Open Door Mission
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156 Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608Since 1952, the Open Door Mission provides for the spiritual and physical needs of the homeless men, women and children of Rochester by restoring hope and changing lives.

Rochester, NY

Reach Advocacy, Inc.

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720 West Main Street, Rochester, NY 14611REACH Advocacy is a community-minded organization seeking safe, supportive housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness in the Rochester region. They have a threefold mission led by Project Haven, Edgerton Meadows, and Advocacy.

Syracuse, NY

Rescue Mission Alliance

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155 Gifford Street, Syracuse, NY 13202Putting LOVE INTO ACTION through shelter, food, clothing, and hope in the Syracuse, Auburn and Binghamton areas. Valuing people, community, integrity, and fiscal responsibility.

Albany, NY

Joseph's House & Shelter


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74 Ferry Street, Troy, NY 12180Joseph’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 in Troy, NY.

Albany, NY

Capital City Rescue Mission


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259 S. Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12202Capital City Rescue Mission began over 70 years ago to help the homeless, the hungry and to give hope and new life to individuals and families in downtown Albany.

Binghamton, NY

Volunteers of America Upstate New York


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320 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY 13901Volunteers 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 serve nearly 100 families in the Binghamton area.

Elmira, NY

Second Place East Homeless Services


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380 S Main Street, Elmira, NY 14901Catholic 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 in Elmira.

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