PROGRAMS
Seasonal Programming
2024
CODE PURPLE
events
people
CODE ORANGE
events
people
WINTER MORNING HOSPITALITY
events
people
VOLUNTEER HOURS
for seasonal programs
EMERGENCY SUPPORT
Safety from the Elements
We offer critical emergency services to support our community during the most extreme weather conditions. In the winter months, our programming includes Saturday Morning Hospitality in Wilmington and Code Purple in New Castle County—both providing safe, welcoming spaces for individuals experiencing houselessness. During the summer, our Code Orange initiative offers heat relief and cooling stations on the hottest days, ensuring continued care and protection year-round.
Code Purple
Code Purple is a program that FH implements in New Castle County when the temperatures drop below 20 degrees and are considered dangerous to those who have no shelter. In order to keep them safe FH partners with various Faith Communities to shelter these individuals.
Pre-registration is required to access our Code Purple. The location of Code Purple for each city will be shared at the time of registration for both volunteers and clients. Locations are confidential.
To pre-register for a Code Purple please call or visit one of our Empowerment Centers:
- Wilmington – call (302)-652-8033 for more information.
- Newark – call (302)-544-0165 for more information.
- Middletown – call 302-416-0982 for more information.
Code Orange
Code Orange provides access to indoor, air-conditioned spaces during periods of extreme daytime heat. Friendship House activates Code Orange in Delaware when the heat index reaches 100 degrees or higher, or when our Empowerment Centers are closed..
If someone is in need of daytime relief through Code Orange, please first confirm it has been activated by visiting our Facebook page. Once confirmed, individuals can be directed to any open Code Orange location—no referral is required.
Interested in Volunteering?
Interested in assisting with supplies?
My whole mindset is different now because Friendship House, and that means I have what it takes to be a success.”
- Program Participant
Saturday Winter Programming
Many coffee shops and local businesses in Wilmington remain closed on Saturday mornings, leaving those experiencing homelessness with limited options for safe, warm spaces. To fill this gap, Friendship House partners with First & Central Presbyterian Church to offer Saturday Winter Programming from November 1st through March 31st, ensuring hospitality is available seven days a week in Wilmington.
Winter Saturday Morning Hospitality at First & Central Presbyterian Church
1101 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Every Saturday morning 6:00am – 10:00am (November 1 – March 31)
Volunteers Needed!
