Released: Nov 9, 2023
Multiple agencies prepared to assist residents in winter weather conditions
Delaware County Council reminds residents that various County agencies offer additional support and resources to the homeless, elderly, and vulnerable residents when harsh cold, snow, and freezing conditions take place during the winter season. When weather conditions pose a threat to individuals who are homeless, elderly, or medically fragile, a network of agencies works to help residents obtain shelter, food, and assistance.
Several County agencies are prepared to help residents cope with extreme weather conditions, from sheltering the homeless to reaching out to the elderly. Council reminds residents about these services should they need assistance or if they know of someone who needs help.
The following Delaware County agencies assist people year-round and also during extreme weather conditions:
The Delaware County Department of Human Services, Adult and Family Services
This department partners with various agencies to offer additional services through the Homeless Services Coalition of Delaware County, a group of 90 individuals and organizations dedicated to providing services to the homeless. They also publish the Resource Guide to Homeless Services which details a variety of services including shelters, housing, meals, treatment programs, and government services.
Human Services website:
http://www.delcohsa.org/adultfamily.html
Human Services phone: (610) 713-2365
The County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA)
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 the winter are available on informational COSA Weatherline at (610) 872-1558
COSA website: www.delcosa.org
COSA phone: (610) 490-1300
Community Action Agency of Delaware County
CAADC is the county’s anti-poverty agency and can assist residents with obtaining shelter and meals.
CAADC website: www.caadc.org
CAADC phone: (610) 874-8451
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) / PECO
LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their heating bills. PECO also offers programs for people experiencing hardship, a low-income usage reduction program, and discounted rates for low-income families.
LIHEAP website: www.caadc.org
LIHEAP Phone: 1-866-857-7095 If hearing impaired call 711
PECO website: www.peco.com
PECO phone: 1-800-494-4000
During cold weather, outreach teams and local authorities can take homeless adults to emergency shelter programs, which are operated by the Salvation Army (Chester Corps), Breaking Bread Community, and the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County.
Salvation Army, Chester Corps: 151 W. 15th St., Chester, (610) 874-0423
Life Center of Eastern Delaware County: 6310 Market St., Upper Darby, (610) 734-5770
Breaking Bread Community: 107 Long Lane, Upper Darby, (484) 462-0135
Outreach Team: (267) 671-4357
The County’s 2022/2023 Cold Weather Plan can be found here: https://delcopa.gov/pdf/ColdWeatherPlan23-24.pdf
Residents are encouraged to register for the DelcoAlert notification system which alerts residents of weather emergencies such as road closures, power outages, and other extreme weather situations.
Register for Delco Alert here: www.delcopa.gov/delcoalert/delcoalert.html