County agencies 
help residents weather winter storms

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help residents weather winter storms

Weather forecasters are calling for below-normal temperatures and above-normal snowfall this winter, so Delaware County Council wants residents to be prepared for snow, sleet or freezing conditions.

At the December Council meeting, County Councilwoman Colleen Morrone reminded residents that various county agencies offer additional supports to the homeless, elderly and vulnerable residents when “Code Blue” conditions take place during winter months.

When temperatures drop below freezing, and conditions pose a threat to individuals who are homeless, elderly or medically fragile, a network of agencies goes to work to help people obtain shelter, food and assistance.

“There are several ways that county agencies try to help residents cope with extreme weather conditions, from sheltering the homeless to reaching out to the elderly,” said Morrone in a press release. “It’s important for residents to know about these services so we can look out for each other. No one should suffer through a blizzard without shelter or heat.”

  • The Delaware County Division of Adult and Family Services of the Office of Behavioral Health partners with various agencies to offer additional services through the Homeless Services Coalition of Delaware County. They also provide a winter shelter directory that is distributed to police, municipalities, school districts and other officials.
  • The County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) extends outreach to senior citizens, including having case managers check on seniors who may be vulnerable. Tips on how to stay warm and safe during winter’s cold weather are available on COSA’s informational weather line at 610-872-1558.
  • The County Department of Intercommunity Health provides information to help people avoid medical emergencies, such as hypothermia and frostbite, during Code Blue conditions.
  • Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC) is the county’s anti-poverty agency that can assist economically disadvantaged households.

Morrone was joined by Denise Stewart, director of the COSA, in detailing various services for the elderly and vulnerable residents.

“Delaware County has many programs that assist people year-round, but we want to stress that extra precautions are taking place during the winter months,” Morrone said. “We especially want our local police and social services agencies to know about these resources as they come in contact with residents who might need help.”

The county’s Adult and Family Services Division, based in Upper Darby, participates in the leadership of the Homeless Services Coalition, a group of 90 individuals and organizations dedicated to providing services to the homeless.

During freezing conditions, authorities can take homeless adults to shelter programs, which are operated by the Salvation Army Chester Corps and Connect, a project of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

The Mental Health Association’s Connect-by Night Program transports people to host churches from their office located at 7200 Chestnut Street in Upper Darby. The Connect program is open 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. and transportation to the host churches begins at 9 p.m.

Each year, the Office of Adult and Family Services distributes an updated Emergency Shelter Directory to all police stations, municipalities, hospital emergency rooms and social service agencies. In addition, the office publishes a Survival Guide to Homeless Services that details a variety of services including shelters, housing, meals, treatment programs and government services. Both of these resources are posted on the County website at www.co.delaware.pa.us.

Elderly residents are also vulnerable during winter storms. People who are over age 60 and need assistance can contact the County Office of Services for the Aging at 610 490-1300.

COSA Director Denise Stewart said COSA’s case managers look in on elderly residents who might be vulnerable during extreme weather conditions.

“With more cold weather ahead of us, we want to ensure the health and safety of all of our residents,” said Morrone. “We encourage people to check on neighbors, elderly friends and family members and pets during the winter months. We hope we don’t have record-breaking snowfall amounts like last year, but we want to be prepared.”

*For information or to obtain a copy of the current Emergency Shelter Directory and Survival Guide, contact Adult and Family Services at 610-713-2571 or 610-713-2365.

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