Volunteers gather around Patty Lyons, Advocates for Homeless & Those in Need (AHTN) board member, (first row, second from left); Edith Lever, AHTN shelter coordinator, (first row, third from left); and Stephen Schlussel, AHTN board member, (first row, fourth from left) at Code Blue’s temporary shelter inside Yardley’s Woodside Church.
by June Portnoy
As winter brings the harsh reality of freezing temperatures, this season causes significant challenges for our homeless community. Fortunately, the Advocates for Homeless & Those in Need (AHTN) provides essential services, including temporary shelter, hunger relief, and emergency assistance, to support the most vulnerable members of the Lower Bucks County community.
Since 2009, AHTN’s Code Blue mission has provided lifesaving shelter and support during the coldest months of the year. Code Blue operates from December 1 to March 31 when temperatures drop to 26 degrees Fahrenheit or below, including wind chill, provided they can secure 18 volunteers per night. Therefore, AHTN is continually searching for new volunteers.
AHTN transforms houses of worship into temporary shelters, offering warmth and safety to the homeless. Four houses of worship in Lower Bucks County host Code Blue shelters on a rotating basis: Shir Ami Synagogue in Newtown (December), Woodside Church in Yardley (January), Calvary Baptist Church in Bristol (February), and Morrisville Presbyterian Church in Morrisville (March). Each site can accommodate up to 58 guests. This season, the shelters have already seen up to 42 guests in a single night and have been open for 27 nights, as of January 12, since the start of December.
Volunteer bus drivers pick up those who are homeless and waiting at bus stops in four designated locations (see website for bus stop addresses) and take them to a Code Blue Shelter. After spending the night at the shelter, they are transported by bus to these same bus stops or to Reach out Foundation in Penndel, a drop in center open during weekdays for homeless guests.
“We are continually looking for volunteers to ensure we can keep Code Blue running,” said Karen Mineo, Executive Director of AHTN. “Volunteers fill critical roles, including drivers and attendants for our 15-passenger buses, intake staff, meal servers, and overnight monitors.” Training is provided for all positions, and no prior experience is necessary.
With 275 registered volunteers, approximately 65 -70 are regular participants who have consistently supported AHTN’s initiatives over the years. Their dedication comes from a shared passion for helping the unsheltered and providing basic human necessities.
“Our volunteers are amazing,” Mineo emphasized. “They are passionate, humble, and grateful for the opportunity to give back. Many say the experience of helping our guests leaves them feeling thankful for what they have and inspired to continue supporting our mission.”
Volunteers can choose flexible schedules through the organization’s online portal, whether it’s a one-time shift or ongoing involvement. Some also assist with laundry, bedding, and the logistical transitions between shelters.
In addition to Code Blue, AHTN runs the Wheels to Meals mission, which operates year-round to provide hot meals to homeless individuals and those in need. Before the pandemic, community members gathered at houses of worship for sit-down meals. During COVID-19, the program pivoted to delivering to-go meals. Although dine-in meals have resumed in about 20 houses of worship, others continue to provide to-go options delivered to bus stops.
Each evening, AHTN’s buses transport guests to participating houses of worship, where they are greeted with a nutritious meal and a sense of community. During Code Blue months, meals are provided exclusively at the shelter locations, encouraging guests to stay overnight for warmth and safety.
Beyond shelter and meals, AHTN’s “Those in Need” mission addresses a wide range of emergencies. From funding motel stays for individuals facing extreme circumstances to providing gas assistance for those living in their vehicles, the program helps bridge gaps for people in distress. Additional services include aiding with car repairs, securing IDs, and offering mailing addresses for individuals applying for benefits like disability or social security.
Mineo explained that there has been an increase in homelessness and food insecurity across Bucks County, emphasizing the urgent need for donations and volunteer support. “We’re running through hand and foot warmers faster than ever,” she said. “We also need thermal clothing, hoodies, sweatpants, and other essentials to help our guests stay warm.”
AHTN’s Amazon wish list, available on its Facebook page, makes it easy for community members to contribute needed items. Monetary donations are also critical for sustaining the organization’s wide range of programs.
For those looking to make a difference, volunteering with AHTN offers a meaningful way to give back. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and can choose roles that fit their skills and schedules. Training and background checks are provided to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
“This is a great opportunity for people who want to give back,” Mineo encouraged. “Whether it’s one night or 20, every contribution makes a difference.”
To learn more about volunteering, donating, or accessing services, visit www.ahtn.org. With the community’s support, AHTN continues to fulfill its mission of providing shelter, food, and dignity to those in need, ensuring that no one in Lower Bucks County is left out in the cold.