New Jersey Code Blue
See a listing of current Code Blue Activations
When temperatures drop below freezing, and conditions pose a threat to individuals who are homeless, a network of agencies throughout New Jersey help people obtain shelter. During times such as these, County Offices of Emergency Management together with municipal government will often initiate and communicate a Code Blue Alert which enables authorities to make shelter arrangements for homeless adults. The shelter arrangements may include the opening of Warming Centers for this specific need. The Code Blue activations, deactivations and Warming Center listings that you find on this page are based on what NJ 2-1-1 receives from the individual counties.
Code Blue Activations/Deactivations
Once a county or municipality declares a Code Blue, the information is shared through local media and social media outlets. It is also shared with NJ 2-1-1 and posted to this page. The activation dates are listed and once the Code Blue is deactivated, it is removed from this page.
Warming Centers
Many public libraries, shopping centers and senior activity centers serve as Warming Centers during business hours. Additional after-hours and overnight Warming Centers will be listed below for the public to view and the NJ 2-1-1 community resource specialists to reference for those calling 2-1-1. The hours and location of Warming Centers are often communicated through local media, social media, and on municipal and county websites too.
Statewide Homeless Hotline
New Jersey residents experiencing homelessness can dial 211 for help. (download flyer)
As the State's Homeless Hotline, we work in partnership with county agencies throughout New Jersey in an effort to ensure that those experiencing homelessness have a safe place to stay at night. We assess each caller to determine the appropriate resources to address their immediate need, as well as the underlying issues related to homelessness.
Those in need can call us at any time of the day or night, any day of the year. Services are accessible in different languages for non-English speakers.
If you live in NJ and you are experiencing homelessness, dial 211 or 877-652-1148 (If you are using a rotary dial phone, please dial 1-877-746-5211.)
Current Code Blue Activations
Please be aware that Code Blue notifications and resources opened in response to severe cold or storm events change as quickly as the weather. Our listing reflects information most recently received by the counties. You can also refer to your county’s Office of Emergency Management web page.
*Code Blue Declarations below refer to the night of the listed date, unless otherwise stated.
Atlantic County - October 30, 2020 at 8:00pm-8:00am
Burlington County - October 30, 2020 at 7:00pm-9:00am
Hunterdon County - October 30, 2020 overnight
Mercer County - October 30, 2020 overnight, October 31 until 10:00 pm
Middlesex County - October 30, 2020 evening and overnight
Morris County - October 30, 2020 evening and overnight
Ocean County - October 30, 2020 at 8:00pm-8:00am
Somerset County - October 30, October 31, November 1, November 2, 2020 9:00pm-9:00am
Sussex County - October 30 at midnight through November 2, 2020 at 8:00am
Union County - October 30, 2020