MULTIPLE OF AGENCIES PREPARED TO ASSIST RESIDENTS IN WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS

Delaware County Council reminds residents that various County agencies offer additional support and resources to the homeless, elderly, and vulnerable residents when harsh cold, snow, and freezing conditions take place during the winter season. When weather conditions pose a threat to individuals who are homeless, elderly, or medically fragile, a network of agencies works to help residents obtain shelter, food, and assistance.

Several County agencies are prepared to help residents cope with extreme weather conditions, from sheltering the homeless to reaching out to the elderly. Council reminds residents about these services should they need assistance or if they know of someone who needs help.

The following Delaware County agencies assist people year-round and also during extreme weather conditions:

• The Delaware County Department of Human Services, Adult and Family Services partners with various agencies to offer additional services through the Homeless Services Coalition of Delaware County, a group of 90 individuals and organizations dedicated to providing services to the homeless. They also publish the Homeless Services Resource Guide that details a variety of services including shelters, housing, meals, treatment programs, and government services.

  Contact:
  http://www.delcohsa.org/adultfamily.html
  610-713-2365

• 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 the winter are available on COSA’s informational weatherline: 610-872-1558

  Contact:
  www.delcosa.org
  610-490-1300

• Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC) is the county’s anti-poverty agency and can assist residents with obtaining shelter and meals.

  Contact:
  www.caadc.org
  610-874-8451

• The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income families pay their heating bills. PECO also offers programs for people experiencing hardship, a low-income usage reduction program, and discounted rates for low-income families.

  LIHEAP:
  https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx
  1-866-857-7095 if hearing impaired call 711

  PECO:
  www.peco.com
  1-800-494-4000

During cold weather, outreach teams and local authorities can take homeless adults to emergency shelter programs, which are operated by the Salvation Army, Chester Corps, and the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County.

Salvation Army, Chester Corps: 610-874-0423
Community Action Agency: 610-874-8451
Life Center of Eastern Delaware County: 610-734-5770

The County’s 2022/2023 Cold Weather Plan can be found here: https://delcopa.gov/pdf/ColdWeatherPlan22-23.pdf

Residents are encouraged to register for the DelcoAlert notification system which alerts residents of weather emergencies such as road closures, power outages, and other extreme weather situations.

Register for Delco Alert here: www.delcopa.gov/delcoalert/delcoalert.html