Homelessness doesn’t discriminate by neighborhood – or zip code.
For those who don’t have a place to call home, winter temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit is a dangerous “Code Blue” reality.
This year’s brutal temperatures and increasing numbers of those without shelter has upped the load on Bucks County relief organizations – including those serving Central Bucks School District residents.
“In previous years we might have 25 guests [for a night]. This year we’re seeing 30 to 35,” said Janet Grove, vice president of Coalition to Shelter and Support the Homeless (CSSH) and co-chair of its outreach and volunteer committees.
At their February 5 business meeting, Bucks County Commissioners unanimously voted to send $4,000 to the Advocates for the Homeless & Those in Need (AHTN) and $1,500 to Doylestown Area FISH, respectively. These volunteer organizations and others support those who live rough without stable housing to call their own.
“Starting in December and to date, we’ve seen more than 80 individuals. Our biggest challenge is that we have been seeing a tremendous increase of guests, some for a night or two – some back constantly,” Grove explained.
She said without 14 volunteers for each of the shifts required for overnight stays the shelter cannot offer Code Blue Services.
“Volunteers are extremely important to our mission,” she said.
For those who need housing and support resources, Grove said CSSH makes referrals to Bucks County Housing Link.
“There is a growing need in the community for this type of support,” she said.
Among the groups serving central Bucks residents is Doylestown Area FISH, a faith-based organization.
Marijane Harris, a volunteer FISH leader, said access to services is one of the top challenges faced by those in dire need.
She said repeated telephone “cycles” or phone tag lead nowhere, discouragement sets in.
“People get frustrated [give up] and end up not getting the services they need,” she said.
FISH provides emergency shelter by arranging for one to three nights of accommodations.
“It really is a Band Aid and doesn’t do anything” to achieve long term stable housing, Harris said.
She said FISH is seeing a significant number of people with housing needs. FISH only serves those who can prove Central Bucks School District residence with identification.
“We are seeing a significant increase in people who cannot afford housing,” Harris explained.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Harris said homeless numbers decreased, in part, because Cares Act (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) money was available. Now that’s dried up.
“We’re seeing the numbers rise again, and we’re expecting a 20 percent increase in our budget expenses because subsidies aren’t out there,” she said.
Bucks Emergency Rental Assistance (BERA) was one program that helped those behind in their rent or facing eviction.
“BERA ran out of money in fall 2024,” Harris said.
Harris said it takes about nine months for someone to “go from street homeless to housed.”
FISH is building routes to work with other charitable organizations to pool its network and share resources.
“We have a pot of money, and we know it’s not enough. If we all work together to bring individuals and families up, we do a much better job,” she said.
