As winter grips the Texas Panhandle, the Code Blue Warming Station in Amarillo has reopened its doors to provide life-saving shelter for individuals and their pets in need. Operating since 2017, this community-driven initiative has become an essential resource during harsh winter conditions, offering not just shelter, but hope and dignity to the region’s most vulnerable residents.
A Mission Rooted in Tragedy
The warming station was born from a tragedy that shook the Amarillo community. In 2016, Jamie Johnson froze to death during a brutal cold snap, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and inclusive shelter options. Motivated by this preventable loss, community leaders established Code Blue with a singular mission: to save lives by providing warm, safe spaces for those who would otherwise be left in the cold.
“We wanted to have a place for people who struggled with mental health or who had, you know, maybe just not able to go into the traditional shelters for various reasons, like if they had animals, or if they were couples that didn’t want to be split up,” said Virginia Williams Trice, Executive Director at Amarillo Housing First. “We wanted to have a location for them to come indoors and get out of the weather so that they won’t freeze to death like he did.”
What Triggers Code Blue?
The warming station is activated under specific weather conditions to ensure it operates when the need is most critical. These criteria include:
Wind chills of 18°F or lower for three consecutive hours
Active winter precipitation such as snow, sleet, or freezing rain
A 70% or greater chance of winter precipitation
Temperatures at or below 32°F
When these conditions are met, Code Blue swings into action, transforming into a sanctuary that offers more than just warmth.
Services Offered
Guests at the warming station have access to a range of services, including:
Hot meals and beverages to provide sustenance
Restrooms and clean drinking water
Winter gear distribution, including beanies, scarves, gloves, jackets, and layered clothing
A safe place to rest overnight
In addition, the station ensures guests leave prepared for the day by equipping them with essential cold-weather gear.
Pets Welcome
Recognizing that some individuals are reluctant to seek shelter if it means leaving their pets behind, Code Blue welcomes pets with open arms. There are no formal requirements for pet entry, but any aggressive animals must be kenneled for safety. This inclusive approach ensures that individuals do not have to make the heartbreaking choice between personal safety and caring for their furry companions.
Beyond the Shelter: Mobile Outreach Team
Code Blue’s impact extends beyond the walls of its warming station. A dedicated mobile outreach team works tirelessly to locate individuals in need, responding to community tips and reports. Volunteers transport individuals to the station and distribute winter gear to those who choose to remain outdoors. To report someone in need, residents can text 806-414-2243, providing the individual’s location and a brief description.
A Growing Need
On average, the station serves around 120 people per night, but demand has surged during extreme weather, with some nights seeing as many as 130 guests. As winters grow increasingly unpredictable, the need for Code Blue’s services continues to rise.
How the Community Can Help
Code Blue Warming Station relies heavily on community support to sustain its operations. Donations of the following items are urgently needed:
Winter gloves and jackets
Non-perishable food items
Bottled water
Sugar packets and individual creamers
Monetary contributions are also vital to fund daily operations and maintain the mobile outreach program. Volunteers play a crucial role, from preparing meals to assisting with outreach efforts, and more helping hands are always needed.
For more information about how to donate or get involved, visit the Code Blue Warming Station Facebook page or contact Amarillo Housing First directly.
Staying Safe This Winter
With temperatures plummeting, Code Blue is urging the Amarillo community to take precautions to stay warm and safe. Ensure your home is well-insulated, keep emergency supplies like flashlights and extra blankets on hand, and check on neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled, during severe weather.
A Lifeline for Amarillo
Code Blue Warming Station is more than just a shelter—it’s a symbol of compassion, resilience, and community spirit. Through the dedication of volunteers, staff, and generous donors, the station ensures no one in Amarillo faces the bitter cold alone. Together, the community is making a tangible difference, one warm night at a time.
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