County Council Announces Cold Weather Resources as frigid winds hit the Northeast over Thanksgiving

• Delaware County Cold Weather Plan 2013-2014
• Survival Guide to Homeless Services
• Homeless Services Coalition’s Emergency Shelter Directory

While Delaware County residents don’t expect to see a “white Thanksgiving,” the Northeast is experiencing an early burst of frigid weather as November leads into December.

Delaware County Council reminds residents that various County agencies offer additional supports to the homeless, elderly and vulnerable residents when “Code Blue” conditions take place during winter months.

When temperatures drop below freezing, and conditions pose a threat to individuals who are homeless or medically fragile, a network of agencies goes to work to help people obtain shelter, food and clothing. The agencies and efforts are details in the 2013-14 Delaware County Cold Weather Plan:

• The Delaware County Adult Services Division of the Office of Behavioral Health partners with various agencies to offer additional services through the Homeless Services Coalition of Delaware County. They provide a winter shelter directory that is distributed to police, municipalities, school districts and other officials.
• The County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) extends outreach to senior citizens, including having case managers check on seniors who may be vulnerable. Tips on how to stay warm and safe during winter’s cold weather are available on COSA’s informational weatherline at (610) 872-1558 from Dec. 1 to April 1.
• The County Department of Intercommunity Health provides information to help people avoid medical emergencies, such as hypothermia and frost bite, during Code Blue conditions.
• Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC) is the county’s anti-poverty agency that can assist economically disadvantaged households through the weatherization program.

“There are several ways that County agencies try to help residents cope with extreme weather conditions, from sheltering the homeless to reaching out to the elderly,” said County Councilwoman Colleen Morrone. “It’s important for residents to know about these services so we can look out for each other, and everyone can stay safe and healthy.”

Mrs. Morrone said these programs assist people year-round, but extra precautions are taken during the winter months.

“We especially want our local police and social services agencies to know about these resources as they come in contact with residents who might need help,” she said.
When the temperature drops to 32 degrees or below, a network of agencies goes to work to help people obtain shelter, food and clothing.

The county’s Adult Services Division, based in Upper Darby, participates in the leadership of the Homeless Services Coalition, a group of 90 individuals and organizations dedicated to providing services to the homeless. During a Code Blue, authorities can take homeless adults to shelter programs, which are operated by the Salvation Army Chester Corps and Connect, a project of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

The services include extended hours, overflow beds, transportation to emergency shelters, and street outreach that includes referrals to social services.

Christine Seibert, Adult Services coordinator, said her office works with individuals and agencies that encounter homeless people, including municipal officials, hospitals, police and social workers.
It is estimated that there are more than 600 homeless people in Delaware County.

Each year, the Office of Adult Services distributes an updated Emergency Shelter Directory to all police stations, municipalities, hospital emergency rooms and social service agencies. In addition, the office publishes a Survival Guide to Homeless Services that details a variety of services including shelters, housing, meals, treatment programs and government services. Both of these resources are posted on the County website at www.co.delaware.pa.us.

For people who are not homeless, but may encounter cold-weather difficulty there are other resources, including the Community Action Agency.

People who are over age 60 and need assistance during a Code Blue can also contact the County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) at 610 490-1300. COSA Director Denise Stewart said COSA’s case managers look in on elderly residents who might be vulnerable during extreme weather conditions.

“With more cold weather ahead of us, we want to ensure the health and safety of all of our residents,” said Councilwoman Morrone. “We encourage people to check on neighbors, elderly friends and family members and pets during the winter months to ensure that they have enough heat and food to get through periods of bad weather.”

For information or to obtain a copy of the current Emergency Shelter Directory and Survival Guide, contact Adult Services at 610-713-2571 or 610-713-2365.

Resources include:
Salvation Army: 151 W. 15th St., Chester. Call 610-874-0423
Connect: 7200 Chestnut St., Upper Darby. Call 267-507-3970.
Community Action Agency: Call 610-874-8451.

For winter safety tips to avoid medical emergencies due to extreme temperatures, consult the Centers for Disease Control at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/