It’s hard to enjoy these harsh, below-freezing temperatures that seem to never end recently. It’s inevitable at some point that everyone has to face it, but most of us have ways we can deal with it: turning the heat up and grabbing some extra blankets when we’re cold, or quickly grabbing medicine if we’re sick from the pharmacy. This, unfortunately, is not the reality for everyone. A “Code Blue” is a weather alert implemented when temperatures reach freezing or below. This is put into place to protect those who are most vulnerable in these states. The homeless community and those at higher risk for health complications face the biggest risks in these conditions.
New Jersey is facing a very evident housing crisis, and although initiatives are being implemented to address this, Hudson County’s homeless population increased by 24% in the last year, according to The Waterfront Project. Hoboken alone has almost 900 homeless individuals, but there is no single factor that contributes to this reality. The cost of housing is increasing too quickly for people to catch up. There is an extreme shortage of affordable housing, and construction times don’t line up with population growth or the growing need. New Jersey is one of the most expensive states to live in, along with it’s extreme homeless population, many residents aren’t able to live comfortably. The major racial disparities that exist in wealth make it harder for families, specifically minorities, to afford stable housing. These factors, along with many more, have forced residents to feel insecure and vulnerable, which only becomes heightened in winter weather that can be life-threatening for some.
Everyone is at risk for common frostbite, hypothermia, and even respiratory complications, but seniors are most at risk during a Code Blue. Especially those struggling with pre-existing chronic illness and those who can’t receive proper medical attention, due to unstable housing or proper insurance coverage. Routine things, such as shoveling snow, can lead to health emergencies; if you see an elderly citizen struggling, lend them a hand. Small acts of kindness go a long way, but there are also many other actions to be taken that make bigger differences. The city’s implementations of emergency responses become crucial, especially during a Code Blue. Drop-in centers are open and take as many residents as possible to offer relief, local warming centers extend their hours, and outreach teams are often out in the community checking on individuals and distributing necessities. NJ 211, the Statewide Homeless Hotline, has shared a complete list of warming centers in every New Jersey county that are operating during Code Blue.
Hudson County’s Code Blue is expected to be lifted February 7th, giving relief to many residents, but those who don’t have the luxury of staying warm will more than likely continue to have a very long and cold winter. This isn’t just a weather alert, it’s a reminder that this crisis can no longer be ignored. It is also a call to action for ordinary residents to spread awareness. Here are things that you can do: checking on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly and live alone, sharing and spreading information about alerts and warming centers, donating essentials for winter, and supporting shelters and non-profit organizations. The Hoboken Homeless Shelter and The Waterfront Project rely mainly on the help of volunteers and supporters. Compassion doesn’t require much time or energy, but it does require the desire for change.
