When temperatures drop below freezing and conditions pose a threat to individuals who are homeless, a network of agencies throughout Delaware help people obtain shelter. During times such as these, Code Purple of Delaware, along with the support of the Friendship House, here in New Castle County, Delaware, will initiate and communicate a Code Purple Alert to make shelter arrangements for homeless adults. While the Hope Center has provided housing for many of our neighbors in need, during the coldest nights, there are still not enough beds. So, as in years past, St. Thomas’s is joining with a handful of other churches in the area to give sanctuary on those dangerously cold nights.
Last Tuesday, January 11, 2022, we hosted 6 homeless guests for dinner and a safe, warm overnight in the Great Hall. Dinner was WONDERFUL and provided by the University of Delaware. Some of our guests had 3 plates full. They were SO grateful! Everybody slept well, stayed warm and we had NO problems. There is the possibility that we will need to host Code Purple again on Saturday, January 22, 2022. Friendship House is not going to make the decision to call it, until Friday afternoon. It will be our turn to cover it, IF it happens, and looking at the weather forecast ….. we just want to be ready – in case.
This large, safe space is a blessing that we must share with our community. How awesome that we are able to participate in Code Purple! If you would like to learn more, or are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Madeline Johnson at mad1240@comcast.net