Code blue declared in philadelphia as frigid conditions prompt emergency shelter response

Code Blue declared in Philadelphia as frigid conditions prompt emergency shelter response

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1 min read
January 20, 2026

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services declared a Code Blue effective at 3 p.m. Sunday as dangerously cold weather moved into the region, triggering expanded emergency shelter and outreach services across the city.

Under the Code Blue declaration, all City of Philadelphia intake centers will remain open and available to individuals seeking emergency shelter or other homelessness services until further notice. The designation is used during periods of severe cold to protect people experiencing homelessness from life-threatening conditions.

City officials urged residents to report anyone seen living or sleeping outdoors by calling the city’s Homeless Street Outreach hotline, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Outreach teams are dispatched to connect individuals with shelter, transportation, and other immediate assistance.

The Office of Homeless Services emphasized that the Code Blue applies citywide and remains in effect until officials determine that weather conditions no longer pose a significant risk.

Philadelphia activated a Code Blue beginning Sunday afternoon to expand shelter access and outreach during extreme cold weather.

Phil Stilton

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