Delaware County’s 2024-2025 Cold Weather Plan

Released: November 15, 2024

Delaware County’s 2024-2025 Cold Weather Plan to Support Vulnerable Residents

Delaware County has unveiled its 2024-2025 Cold Weather Plan (CWP), a comprehensive strategy to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable and unsheltered residents during the winter months. The plan outlines the County’s coordinated response to cold weather emergencies, providing essential resources such as shelter beds, outreach services, and educational support to residents in need.

The CWP activates when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, initiating Code Blue conditions. During these conditions, outreach teams intensify efforts to locate unsheltered individuals and direct them to warm shelters, while overflow shelter beds are made available to accommodate increased demand.

Key Features of the Cold Weather Plan

Emergency Shelter Services

• The County collaborates with contracted providers to offer emergency shelter beds to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Overflow shelter beds are activated during severe weather to meet the increased need for warm and safe spaces.

Outreach Services

• Outreach teams actively search for unsheltered individuals, encouraging them to seek refuge in warm facilities.
• The Outreach Team can be reached at (267) 671-4357 to report individuals in need.

Community Education and Awareness

• The County works with partner organizations to share critical information about winter safety and available resources.
• Residents can access the Resource Guide to Homeless Services, published by the Homeless Services Coalition, at DelcoHomelessServices.org.

Supporting Agencies and Resources

Several Delaware County agencies provide year-round support, with additional services during cold weather emergencies:

• Adult and Family Services: Coordinates Code Blue responses and publishes resources, such as The Resource Guide to Homeless Services, for homeless individuals. Contact (610) 713-2365 or visit DelcoHSA.org.
• The Delaware County Health Department provides resources to prevent hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related medical emergencies. Contact (484) 276-2100 or visit DelcoPA.Gov/Health.
• COSA (Office of Services for the Aging): Conducts wellness checks for vulnerable seniors and provides winter safety tips. Contact (610) 490-1300 or visit DelCOSA.org.
• Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC): Offers weatherization programs, heating oil assistance, and helps residents apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Contact (610) 874-8451 or visit CAADC.org.

Shelters, Overflow Beds, and other Resources

During cold weather, homeless adults can find refuge at Salvation Army, Chester Corps (610) 874-0423; Life Center of Eastern Delaware County (610) 734-5770, and Breaking Bread Community (484) 462-0135

Shelter Program	Location & Contact Info	# of Beds Available	# of Overflow Beds Available	Population Served
Breaking Bread Community	7200 Chestnut St., Upper Darby, PA	15	2	Single Adults
Life Center of Eastern Delaware County	6310 Market St., Upper Darby, PA	50	7	Single Adults
Salvation Army	151 W. 15th St., Chester, PA	40	5	Single Adults

The Delaware County Health Department also provides resources to prevent hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related medical emergencies. Contact (484) 276-2100 or visit DelcoPA.Gov/Health.

How You Can Help

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and share information about available resources with neighbors in need. For additional details about Delaware County’s Cold Weather Plan and support services, visit DelcoHomelessServices.org

The 2024-2025 Cold Weather Plan reflects Delaware County’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, especially the most vulnerable, during the harsh winter months.