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

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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

CODE BLUE SPOTLIGHT

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 distribute over 700 meals per day. This significant need has shifted St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy’s to focus on providing meals to the Code Blue shelter at 586 Genessee St, being run by Sylvia’s House nonprofit, along with the people and agencies that make up the Code Blue Collaborative

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Buffalo, NY

Sylivia's House

The Code Blue shelter at 586 Genessee Street is being run by Sylvia’s House, along with the people and agencies that make up the Code Blue Collaborative.

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Niagara Falls, NY


Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

1570 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Since 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.

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Rochester, NY

Open Door Mission

156 Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608

Since 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.

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Syracuse, NY

Rescue Mission Alliance

155 Gifford Street, Syracuse, NY 13202

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

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Albany, NY

Joseph's House & Shelter

74 Ferry Street, Troy, NY 12180

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 in Troy, NY.

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Binghamton, NY

YMCA Binghamton/Broome County

61 Susquehanna Street, Binghamton, NY 13901

The YMCA of Broome County has 28 temporary emergency beds available for evenings where Code Blue is activated.  While not a requirement, anyone utilizing Code Blue housing has access to meet with a Case Manager, who can evaluate their needs and connect them with appropriate services, whether those are legal services, job skills development or more.

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Binghamton, NY

Volunteers of America Upstate New York

320 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY 13901

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 serve nearly 100 families in the Binghamton area.

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