Code Blue In New Brunswick Not Just For Homeless, City Officials Say

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - Although spring-like temperatures are in full swing, New Brunswick city officials are reminding residents that municipal emergency services, such as the warming center at Unity Square Community Center, are available to locals when they need it most.

Through New Jersey’s “Code Blue” program, up to 30 individuals can receive a free cot, pillow and warm blanket at the Unity Square Community Center (81 Remsen Ave.) when temperatures dip to 32 degrees or less for two hours. You don’t have to be a resident of New Brunswick to access the code blue services.

Although the community warming center is open for an average 75 nights each winter, the city expects the number of guests in 2023 to break records, city officials said.

“Code Blue is not just for the homeless,” said Keith Jones II, the City’s Director of the Department of Human and Community Services. “It is here for people and families from all walks of life. It could be a tenant in an apartment complex that has heating problems. It could be people with full-time jobs who may have a domestic issue. We have seen senior citizens, full families and newborns. You name it; we’ve seen it.”

Individuals must arrive by 7 p.m. on a designated “code blue” night and leave by 7 p.m., Jones said. Reservations are not accepted; no questions are asked and no ID is required. Fighting, smoking, drugs and alcohol are prohibited.

No one is permitted in after 9 p.m., as doors are locked for safety. If the center receives more than 30 requests on a given night, people are directed to the lobby of city police headquarters, where they can stay overnight.

Code Blue staff are available and on alert during the 12-hour shift, providing bags of donated toiletries, clothing and coats and even additional social services if needed.

Jones added that additional services are available at the Dignity Center on Joyce Kilmer Avenue, with locker rooms at Memorial Stadium open for hot showers from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Hygiene kits, towels, washcloths and clothing are also available at the Dignity Center.