The Open Link has been working with an all-volunteer group – The Upper Perk Homelessness Coalition (UPHC), for about a year to identify and support those who are experiencing homelessness in our community. While this might seem like a “big city” problem, nationally homelessness increased 12.1% in just one year (2022 to 2023). The pandemic and lingering mental health issues, along with the high cost of housing have been identified as factors in that significant jump during this period.
Beginning in the winter of 2024-2025, The Open Link and the Upper Perk Homelessness Coalition will begin operating a Code Blue shelter at the Annex building of the Pennsburg UCC. Tentatively, this shelter is scheduled to open December 1, 2024 and run each evening that there is a Code Blue declaration by Montgomery County PA.
Here are some ways you can help.
-
Needed to help operate the Code Blue Shelter each evening. There will be four shifts: 7:30PM to 11PM (3 volunteers), 10:45PM to 2:00AM (two volunteers), 1:45AM to 5AM (two volunteers) and 4:45AM to 8:30AM (three volunteers). Volunteers will greet guests, serve dinner, oversee shelter during rest period, clean-up shelter each day, inventory supplies and interact with the unhoused. Training is provided. Clearances are needed. To sign-up, fill out the volunteer interest sheet.
-
Dinner will be needed each evening that the Code Blue shelter is open. If you and your group would like to prepare a meal for 10 to 15 people, please fill out the form on the Upper Perk Code Blue website by clicking on Prepare a Meal above.
-
The Open Link is acting as the fiscal manager for donations related to the Code Blue shelter. If you would like to make a donation to support the shelter or those who are unhoused in our community, please use The Open Link's special donation link above. The Open Link is a 501c3 organization and all donations are tax-deductible as allowable by law and The Open Link is a registered charity with the State of PA.
-
The Open Link and the Upper Perk Homelessness Coalition have created an Amazon Wishlist of needed items to open and operate the shelter for the 24-25 season. These are the most needed items currently, but check back often as needs change.
-
Homelessness is on the rise across the country and it is present here in the Valley. It is often misunderstood or based on stereotypes. In order to break the cycle of homelessness, we all need to advocate on behalf of those who are unhoused. The first step is to learn more about why someone becomes homeless, what are the barriers that keep them homeless and how we as a community can help reduce or remove those barriers. Our recent blog about homelessness is a great place to start. Click Advocate above to read it now.
The Montgomery County Housing Authority Choice Voucher Program Waiting List is Open for Enrollment and will be accepting applications from Friday, November 15, 2024 through Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Applications must be submitted online and are available in both English and Spanish: APPLY HERE
More information below:
