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Lake County is situated in northeast Ohio, known for being in the snow belt with freezing temperatures. The CODE BLUE project, since 2015, has been saving lives. A collaboration of non-profits, faith-based organizations and government leaders have put in a place a protocol that facilitates additional emergency shelter for Lake County’s homeless population when winter weather conditions become especially dangerous. A CODE BLUE is called by Lake County’s Planning Department when outside temperatures will be below 10 degrees, or when wind chill will be below 0 or when a winter storm warning is issued by the National Weather Service for Lake County.
During a CODE BLUE, both day and night emergency shelters are activated and are completely volunteer run by members of several local churches. Transportation to and from the shelters is provided by our local public transit, LakeTran and supplies are provided by our local community action agency, Lifeline, Inc.
All communications regarding CODE BLUE are run through 211 Lake County to triage out to local non-profits, congregate meal sites, law enforcement and mental health providers/crisis hotline, as well as notifying the volunteers and LakeTran. They also share CODE BLUE information on their social media pages that can be shared out by other organizations, as well. CODE BLUE shelter times are updated daily and our homeless population know that they can contact 211 any time, 24/7, for the most up to date information.
In 2022, CODE BLUE had 180 overnight stays and 35 Daytime Stays. Visit Lifeline's Website.
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