Code Blue Update Provided by Freeholder

CREST HAVEN – On Jan. 1, 2019 the Code Blue process changed from motel placements, provided with state funding by the Division of Social Services, to warming centers operated by municipalities with non-mandated funding from the county.  
According to a release, the funding is being distributed to the three municipalities making up the largest usage of the Code Blue system over the last four years.  This transition process began nearly a year ago.  
Several meetings were held with municipal leaders including local Office of Emergency Management coordinators and law enforcement.  The meetings were held in groups and with individual municipalities.
A technical assistance meeting was provided with an operator of a Burlington County warming center. Burlington County has been recognized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU-NJ)  and the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness for their warming center system.
Additional technical assistance was offered if needed and requested by the municipalities.  
The Homeless Hotline remains operational to place individuals that are eligible for non-reoccurring emergencies.  For individuals that have been determined ineligible, the operators will give the caller information on the warming centers.  
Additionally, New Jersey 2-1-1, a Health and Human Resources hotline, has information on Cape May County’s warming centers.
Families with Children
Individuals or families with minor children are still being placed in motels during Code Blue events.  This practice is due to not being able to vet individuals in a warming center for Megan’s Law offenses.  
A social worker follow-up is being provided for those individuals and/or families.  Individuals or families currently residing in a motel are not eligible for Code Blue placements.   Additionally, any suspected fraudulent declaration of having a minor will be referred to the Fraud Unit of Social Services.     
Middle Township
Middle Township has an agreement with Cape Hope which is operating a warming center at the Cape Community Church on Route 9 and Oyster Road, Burleigh.
Cape Hope offers a hot meal and cots.  This warming center has been the most utilized with anywhere from four to the maximum 12 people and had utilization on the first Code Blue declaration of 2019.  
Cape Hope is a faith-based organization with a mission to assist the homeless and has experience with the operation of warming centers in the county.  
Lower Township
Lower Township is utilizing its Recreation Center as the primary warming center. The township has a secondary location for overflow if needed.
Lower and Middle townships have an agreement that Lower Township will accept individuals from Middle Township if Cape Hope has reached capacity.
Additionally, Lower Township has recently begun to see utilization of its warming center. Lower Township offers cots and light refreshments, despite some misinformation that was spread about this location.
The Wildwoods
North Wildwood, West Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest are all utilizing their police lobbies as warming centers. “This is not an ideal location for a warming center,” stated Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson. “We understand the barriers that are present that may keep individuals from going to a police lobby. County staff has met with representatives from these municipalities to encourage finding a different option.”
The warming centers in the Wildwoods have been reported to have minimal usage. Individuals from those municipalities are calling for information on warming centers and some have opted to go to the Lower and Middle townships’ warming centers.
The Branches
The Branches in Rio Grande operates a daytime outreach and warming center. It provides food, coffee, conversation, and services through other providers.  The Branches has extended its hours during a Code Blue declaration to open at 6:30 a.m. so that the individuals from the warming centers go directly to the Branches in the morning.  
During a Code Blue declaration, they remain open until the individuals needing the warming center service are transported.  
County point-of-contact staff have been meeting and providing guidance to the municipalities during this entire process.
Local OEM coordinators have the staff emails, office and cell numbers. The municipalities reach out when assistance is required. Recently transportation became an issue.
Fare-Free Transportation
A direct request from the municipality was made to the county to assist. A Cape May County Fare Free bus was provided within a day to be a part of the process to transport individuals from The Branches at 6 p.m. to Cape Community Church and Lower Township.
The bus makes the return trip to The Branches in the morning at 6:15 a.m. The bus runs every Code Blue declaration; including weekends and holidays.  
Process Evolves
“This is a new and fluid process,” stated Pierson. “We are going to learn and grow as situations come up and adopt the process as needed. Lower Township, Middle Township, Cape Hope, and The Branches are doing a phenomenal job of coordinating with the county to provide a safe and warm location for those individuals that are living unsheltered in our county.
“As a result of this process other municipalities are getting on board and designating warming centers. We will continue to work together on this.”