LOCKPORT, N.Y. -- When frigid temperatures move in to Lockport a Code Blue takes effect, giving people a warm, safe place to stay. It's a service some people rely on, but it's also one that doesn't come cheap. Volunteers say that cost of a Code Blue makes it hard to satisfy a new state-wide executive order aimed at helping the homeless.
"I've been out here for a while and the days when it gets below 20 and that and the wind gets to blowing it is rough," said Jerry Lambert of Lockport.
William Motes and Jerry Lambert never imagined becoming homeless.
"Last winter I actually had a home, now I don't," said Lambert.
They've both been spending cold nights at the Salvation Army in Lockport through code blue, when freezing temperatures make it unbearable to stay outside.
"We got sleeping bags and blankets and it's hard get warm. That has helped out at least you can sleep at night and get 12 hours worth of heat," said Lambert.
When a Code Blue is called, the Salvation Army opens at 8 p.m. and provides cots, pillows, blankets, and food until 8 a.m. At 9 a.m. a soup kitchen opens, and free lunch is provided from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
"We mobilize volunteers and resources such as refreshments, set up the cots, and things of that nature," Lockport Salvation Army Commanding Officer Major Jose Santiago said. "The police department, the fire department."
Earlier this month Governor Cuomo issued an executive order to make sure people who are homeless are directed to a shelter when temperatures hit 32 degrees or below. In Lockport a code blue is issued when temperatures hit 15 degrees or below.
"To address it at the statewide level that the Governor had recommended at the 32 degrees that's going to be difficult I think it's going to be many many nights in a row throughout the winter and there's really minimal cost right now, but the utilites would be expensive if we needed to incur that cost on a nightly basis throughout the entire winter," Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey said.
The Salvation Army says it would need a lot more funding and staffing in order to comply with the Governor's ruling and McCaffrey says so far she hasn't heard of any additional help from the state.
In the meantime the Salvation Army says it will keep its doors open whenever it can.
William and Jerry say they'll take any help they can get.
"I couldn't imagine sleeping up under the bridge this week, ain't no way," said Lambert.