With cold temperatures and strong winds now afflicting the City, DHS is again utilizing its Code Blue procedure to protect individuals who are living unsheltered throughout the five boroughs.

Implemented when the temperature drops to 32 degrees or lower, or during times of sustained winds and precipitation, Code Blue calls for increased street outreach efforts– allowing teams to check on individuals more frequently and assess them for signs of medical danger. In addition, when Code Blue is in effect, individuals experiencing homelessness may walk into any shelter Citywide and have access to drop-in centers 24 hours per day.

“During Code Blue, our foremost priority is to save lives,” said DHS Commissioner Seth Diamond. “By maximizing outreach efforts, we strive to engage as many individuals as possible and connect them with the necessary services and medical attention.”

Since 2007, DHS has helped more than 2,400 chronically homeless individuals transition from the streets into housing. However, these efforts becomes all the more crucial during times of dangerous winter weather, when clients may be more at risk for distress, including instances of hypothermia and frostbite. Through Code Blue, DHS can further engage the street homeless population, and encourage individuals to move indoors to safer and more comfortable environments.

With the official start of winter still ahead, DHS asks all New Yorkers to join the agency’s mission to protect clients living on the streets. Dial 911 in the case of a medical emergency and 311 to dispatch an outreach team to aid an individual who appears to be homeless.