Niagara Gospel Mission leads life-saving efforts during freezing winter conditions in Niagara County

Submitted by Niagara Gospel Mission

As freezing winter temperatures grip Niagara County, Niagara Gospel Mission is leading critical, life-saving efforts through its Code Blue emergency outreach program, working daily to protect vulnerable individuals from exposure and hypothermia.

Through Code Blue, Niagara Gospel Mission dispatches an outreach van every day from Niagara Falls to Tonawanda, actively seeking individuals experiencing homelessness, offering transportation to warmth, providing meals, and ensuring access to safe shelter during dangerously cold conditions.

Since the start of this winter season, Niagara Gospel Mission has delivered over 1,000 meals to individuals in need while also providing 900 safe nights of sleep, directly intervening to prevent cold-related injury and loss of life.

“Our goal during these freezing days is simple: Save lives,” said the Rev. John Cooper, executive director of Niagara Gospel Mission. “No one should freeze to death in our community. Through Code Blue, our staff and volunteers are out every day, meeting people where they are, offering food, warmth, and a safe place to sleep.”

Code Blue efforts intensify when temperatures drop to dangerous levels, but the NGM’s work extends beyond emergency response. Each outreach interaction is an opportunity to connect individuals to ongoing care, shelter, and recovery programs aimed at long-term transformation.

NGM continues to work alongside local partners, first responders, and community supporters to ensure that those most at risk during the winter months are not forgotten. As cold weather persists, the agency remains committed to being a visible and active presence – bringing warmth, safety and hope to the streets of Niagara County.

If you would like to know more about our Code Blue program or how NGM is working to save lives on these cold nights, reach out to Development Director Colton Lackey.

Niagara Gospel Mission is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit providing services to the homeless and poor. Visit www.niagaragospelmission.org to learn more about current services and plans to develop services for homeless women.