County extends ‘Code Blue’ advisory

With extremely cold weather forecast to continue through the week, Sonoma County has extended the “Code Blue” advisory until after the New Year, asking area homeless shelters and service agencies to expand their bed capacities and open warming facilities.

The alert was originally issued last week and expected to end Monday morning, but with near-freezing temperatures expected to continue, the county announced it would be extended until January 3rd

A Cold Blue advisory is issued when temperatures drop below 38 degrees or when inclement weather makes it difficult for homeless people to stay dry. It is part of plan adopted by the County’s Board of Supervisors in November to help people without shelter in extreme weather conditions.

Several regional shelters have already expanded their services in response to the bitter cold front that descended on the area over Christmas, including COTS of Petaluma, Catholic Charities and Redwood Gospel Mission in Santa Rosa, the Haven in Sonoma, and the Community Family Services Agency in Guerneville. According to county officials, the need for blankets, coats, hats, and other winter items is critical. Donations can be made directly to COTS at 765-6530, or via cots-homeless.org.

Information on shelters and donation needs is available by calling the Catholic Charities’ Cold Weather Hotline at 800-2927.

(Contact Elizabeth M. Cosin at elizabeth.cosin@arguscourier.com)