With Amarillo experiencing frigid weather, the Code Blue Warming Station anticipates high usage to service the city’s homeless population. The warming station expects it to be open nightly through at least Sunday. Currently, the station serves more than 80 people a night, and it is seeking donations from the Amarillo community to help fulfill the mission.

Amarillo Housing First runs the Code Blue Warming Station to keep unsheltered homeless people from the adverse effects of the cold during the night hours. The facility opens its doors from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. when certain extreme cold conditions are met. The criteria for the station to be open are three or more hours of 18-degree wind chill factor, 70% or greater chance of winter precipitation or falling winter precipitation or accumulated, unmelted snow.

Located at 207 North Tyler St., the facility has been open 15 nights so far this year, with the area experiencing multiple freezing nights. As the temperatures drop, the earlier the lines for the shelter start forming to get in.

Individuals who use the shelter must remain masked when not eating or drinking, and temperatures will be checked to ensure that nobody is exhibiting illness. If a person shows COVID-19 symptoms, the station will refer them for help to other agencies. The shelter also has accommodations for up to 10 dogs or cats, which most shelters will not allow.

During the nights the building is open, patrons are given food, water, and blankets to keep warm. Various reading materials, television and games are also available to keep people entertained. While there are no beds available, people can lay about the facility as volunteers keep a walking path available for those using the facilities. Overall, minimal volunteer staff and security keep the operation running as smooth as possible when bad weather calls.

Virginia Williams Trice, executive director of Amarillo Housing First, stated that she was grateful for all the support that groups in the community have given as far as helping to provide food and services. She said many local church groups, businesses and restaurants are instrumental the taking care of the homeless in inclement weather.

“In a given night, we go through a lot of supplies as we seek to take care of those without a place to keep out of the cold. We really depend on donations to be able to give the best care possible to those in need," Williams Trice said. “If people show up and need medical care, we help get them help. We want people to be able to get out of the cold.”

With her work with Housing First, Williams Trice helps get help to the homeless in trying to find shelter and housing. One of the most crucial aspects of getting help is assisting those who do not have Social Security cards. She also spoke about the value of good volunteers such as Sandra Owen, whom she credits for her ability in helping to run the station and solicit donations.

If community members want to donate to the warming station, needed items can be delivered to Amarillo Housing First location at 207 N Tyler. Individuals who wish to donate money can also go to https://www.facebook.com/CodeBlueAmarillo/. The organization is also seeking volunteers to help run the warming station.

Items in need at the Code Blue Warming Station are listed below:

Hand warmers and toe warmers

Heavy coats - especially L-XXL Mens

Men and women’s underwear

Flavor mixer packets for water

EmergenC mixer packets for water

Individual packets of hot chocolate

Individually packaged chips and savory snacks

Large latex or nitrile gloves