With the ever increasing cost of housing we wanted to take a second to highlight some of the resources available to Bucks County residents to address housing insecurity and street homelessness. If you or someone you know are at risk of imminent housing crisis or are street homeless, the first contact should always be the Bucks County Housing Link (1-800-810-4434). The Housing Link Helpline is the centralized point of information, assessment, and referral services for all Bucks County residents experiencing a housing-related crisis. By utilizing this call line an individual is able to provide their information one time and be referred to the appropriate organization most suited to their situation. In most cases, utilizing the Housing Link is a required step in accessing many of the more advanced housing services in the county. Another helpful call line can be the PA 211 hotline run by the United Way. By dialing 211, you can access this free  call line that is used to address a variety of different social service issues and acts as a centralized source for information and referral. 

During the cold winter months, individuals without housing can utilize the "Code Blue" shelters with the Upper Bucks shelter being the Quakertown Masonic Lodge located at 501 W Broad Street, Quakertown PA 18951. They are open when temperatures are projected to be 26 degrees or colder, or 32 degrees or colder with precipitation and/or strong winds. The shelter is open from November 15 through April 15. Shelter doors are open from 8:30PM-11PM. After 11PM, guests must have a police escort. To find out if the shelter is open or closed on a given night, or for more information on the Advocates for the Homeless of Upper Bucks, visit the Facebook page or call the shelter hotline at 267-450-5191. 

For assistance with food and other essentials, local organizations like Pennridge FISH and Revivals Outreach Center are a great resource and provide a variety of free assistance including food pantries, weekend drive throughs, and sit down meals. You can also apply to be a part of the "Fresh Connect" program offered by Bucks County Opportunity Council. Individuals that meet the income requirements are eligible to attend the free farmers market for fresh, healthy food in either Quakertown, Palisades, or Warminster. 

Attached to this post you will find multiple different resource lists for housing, food, and financial assistance. These lists are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all resources in Bucks County and the surrounding area but can be openly shared and do not have any copyright or printing restrictions. If you are unsure where to turn, you can utilize the "Request for Social Services Form" located on our crimewatch page. This form is regularly reviewed by our Community Relations Specialist to assist in provision of resources and information or direct intervention from the Community Relations Specialist or Co-Responder.