Essex County ‘Code Blue’ In Effect, Homeless Shelters Open Doors

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — As the blizzard rages and the snow piles up in Essex County, don’t forget about those without someplace warm to ride out the storm.

On Wednesday, a day before a worst-case snow situation hit New Jersey, the Bloomfield Police Department issued a reminder that the county’s “Code Blue” procedures are in effect. Code Blue helps provide homeless residents with emergency shelter when temperatures drop below freezing. (Learn more here)

According to NJ211, a Code Blue has been declared for Jan. 3 to Jan. 8, 2018.

In Essex County, available shelters include:

• Essex County LGBT RAIN Foundation - 168 N. Park Street, East Orange, NJ 07017, Tel: 973-675-6780, Open during daytime hours. Special instructions: Accepts 18-26 years-old (single M/F LGBT population). Accepts 18-26 years-old (single M/F LGBT population).
• Urban Renewal Corp - 689 So. 16th Street, Newark, NJ 07103, Tel: 973-200-6337. This location is open 24 hours. Special instructions: Provides case management and shelter; Accepts single men and women.
• Fairmont Shelter - 202 Fairmont Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, Tel: 973--643-7705. Open: 24/7 assistance available at this location. Special instructions: Accepts single men and women.
• Homeless Emergency Living Partnership - 224 Sussex Ave. Newark, NJ 07103. Tel: 973-877-6081. Doors open at 4:00 pm. Special instructions: Newark residents only. Center is open overnight daily from December 13, 2017 to March 31, 2018 for Newark residents only. Doors open at 4:00 pm daily.
• CTCM Blue Warming Stations - 260 South 20th Street, Newark, NJ 07103, Tel: 862-955-2281. Open: Call for more information

In addition to the above shelters, the Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless (MESH) provides overnight shelter to any homeless person (male or female) when temperatures drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below. (Learn more here)

The respite site is located at Union Baptist Church,14 Midland Avenue in Montclair. A flashing neon “MESH” sign is in the window.

The respite facility opens at 8:30 p.m. and closes for the evening at 11:00 p.m. Police officers are permitted to present persons in need of shelter any time space is available. A light breakfast is served at 6:45 a.m. Respite service terminates at 7:30 a.m. Contact the MESH hot line at 862-621-9488 for more information.

• See related article: Essex County Had Most Homeless In New Jersey For 2017, Study Says

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