Scranton opens new 'Code Blue' shelters amid shelter closure challenges

SCRANTON, Pa. — As the cold weather starts to settle in this season, Scranton City Hall is announcing a new overnight space for those experiencing homelessness.

The city is teaming with catholic social services to open 'Code Blue' shelters at Weston Field and at Saint Anthony's Haven along Olive Street.

Code blue alerts are issued when temperatures are expected to drop below 20 degrees and in other periods of inclement weather.

The announcement following the closure of Keystone Mission's shelter in scranton earlier this year.

Joe Mahoney says, "This is critical. You need a cold shelter. We know there were 69 blue nights last winter, and below 20 degrees, that's life-threatening to be stuck outside if you're not prepared. You could lose fingers and toes to frostbite, or you could free