Photo Essay: Bucks County Code Blue Shelter Helps Protect Local Homeless from Life-Threatening Cold Temperatures

Bucks County Beacon Photographer Cooper Tyksinski dropped by the Bucks County Code Blue shelter hosted by the Coalition to Shelter and Support the Homeless (CSSH) on Wednesday. The shelter has no permanent home and only opens its doors when the “real feel” of the temperatures outside are 28 degrees or lower.

READ: Homelessness in Bucks County Rose 25 Percent in 2024, Exceeding Alarming Nationwide Trend

From December through March, the physical location of the shelter shifts from one church to another. This January, the Code Blue facility is located at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Doylestown. With an overnight low temperature of 18 degrees, 32 people – more than double last year’s average number – spent the night in the care of CSSH.

READ: The Central Bucks Code Blue Shelter Operates for Little More Than One Median Household Income in Bucks County

Two persons – still clad to brave the elements – chat at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

A guest uses a blanket to cover his eyes before lights out at the Code Blue Shelter.

Each guest receives an air mattress, a pillow, a blanket and a folding chair.

Few people remove their shoes or outer clothing to sleep at the shelter.

A guest lays patiently and quietly for the lights out.

A guest eats the meal prepared for him by Church Volunteers.

A volunteer delivers meals to guests who wait patiently at their sleeping area.

Hot beverages are served to the guests until lights out.

Early morning volunteers will brew coffee, tea and hot chocolate in the morning before the guests return to their icy homelessness.

Many guests without vehicles must bring a bag filled with their most important possessions – photos, birth certificates, and other items can be lost when a person experiencing homelessness leaves a camp or other place they’re staying.

Chargers are available for guests to restore the batteries on their electronic devices.

Guests must check-in, providing minimal information. The opportunity for extended case management and housing application assistance is offered during the check-in process.

Church volunteers prepare hot meals each evening the shelter is open.

After the dinner meal is served, volunteers pack to go lunches for the following day. Each guest may take a packed meal to go when they leave the shelter.