During periods of extreme cold, Ocean County follows its established Code Blue Plan to protect residents facing housing insecurity. A Code Blue Alert is issued by the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management when temperatures create unsafe outdoor conditions.
Once an alert is active, details about cold weather services offered by nonprofit and volunteer partners are shared through the Ocean County Department of Human Services website, email updates, and social channels. These services focus on safety, temporary shelter, and access to warming locations across the county.
Verified Warming Centers
The following warming centers are confirmed and open during the current Code Blue Alert.
Dates and Times – Tuesday, January 20 at 4:00 pm through Thursday, January 22 at 8:00 am
Toms River Warming Center
CSPNJ / County Building
1959 Route 9
Toms River, NJ
Phone: 848-338-5498
Hours: 4:00 pm to 9:00 am
Capacity: 60
Lakewood Warming Center
Warm Hearts
764 Ocean Avenue
Lakewood, NJ
Phone: 732-900-1724
Hours: 7:00 pm to 7:00 am
Capacity: 30
24/7 Homeless Hotline and Assistance
Residents in need of immediate help can contact NJ 2-1-1 for support, referrals, and emergency assistance at any time.
Dial 2-1-1
Or call 1-877-652-1148
