Code Red in Effect: How Can You Help

Summer in Philadelphia can be brutal. 

Now imagine enduring the blistering heat not just for an afternoon—but day after day, with no place to cool down, no access to water, and no safe place to rest. 

This is the reality of Code Red for our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. 

When temperatures soar, so does life-threatening danger. Extreme heat intensifies the risks of chronic street homelessness, leaving everyone on their journey HOME to confront increased likelihood of dehydration, heat stroke, or even death. 
Project HOME knows it doesn’t have to be this way, and we know you share this belief. 

With your support, Project HOME can respond to this crisis—offering life-saving relief and resources to the most vulnerable in our city. 

Thanks to your leadership, success during Code Red doesn’t have to be temporary.

“Any time we can get someone to come off the streets, it’s a good day,” says Theresa Murphy, Director of Homeless Services at Project HOME. Recently, the Outreach team helped connect an 81-year-old woman who has been living unsheltered for over 10 years. 

“She is a regular client at the Hub of Hope, and we know that she sleeps outside every night. Her age makes her vulnerable to the heat to finding her a bed indoors is critical.” 

Project HOME's Outreach Coordination Center (OCC), in partnership with the City of Philadelphia and other service providers, reaches out to those living outside and in danger of extreme heat. This outreach includes: 

• Staffing and responding to calls to the 24-hour Homeless Outreach Hotline to find people who are homeless and transport them to safe, warm, indoor spaces.
• Connecting people who are homeless to all available beds within the emergency housing network.
• Advocating that people who are homeless stay inside emergency housing throughout the day.

When those most in need face prolonged exposure to the relentless summer heat, every second counts.

You can help in the following ways:

• Make a gift that can lead to permanent supportive housing, opportunities for employment, medical care, and education;
• Donate in-kind needs like water, cooling towels, sunscreen, and hydration packs, by visiting our Amazon WishList.

“Items like this are so important,” says Theresa. “If we cannot convince someone to find shelter, a bottle of water, a cooling towel, and hygiene items can be a lifesaver.”

As the extreme heat persists this summer, you can continue to help by calling the Philadelphia Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984 if you encounter any unsheltered Philadelphians in need. You may also refer them to the Hub of Hope, our engagement center located in Suburban Station.