As temperatures climb this week, Peaceful Knights Homeless Shelters, at 215 N. First St., Lehighton, will activate its Code Red protocol from Wednesday through Saturday, said Aggie Schoenberger, director.

Schoenberger said their men’s emergency shelter is open 365 nights a year, but that during periods of extreme weather, they expand their services by keeping the shelter open 24 hours a day. This allows men experiencing homelessness to remain in a safe, air-conditioned environment during dangerous heat conditions, she added.

“Heat can be just as deadly as cold, especially for those living on the streets,” Schoenberger said. “When temperatures reach dangerous levels, we want people to know our doors are open.”

Schoenberger noted that throughout the summer, Peaceful Knights also keeps a large cooler of fresh drinking water outside the emergency shelter for anyone in need. There simply are not enough public places to access drinking water, and something this simple can make a real difference on a hot day, she said.

“We encourage anyone who knows of a man experiencing homelessness during this heat wave to let him know that help is available,” Schoenberger said. “During Code Red, our men’s emergency shelter remains open around the clock because no man should be left outside in life-threatening temperatures.”

Schoenberger noted that Peaceful Knights has been assisting the homeless of Carbon County since 2007.

She added they are a Christian nonprofit; have never spent/received one tax dollar; do not “import” homeless (they only serve those that are either in Carbon County or from Carbon County); and assist about 100 different individuals each year.

Schoenberger said monetary donations, as well as their Amazon Wish List, can be found at PeacefulKnights.org.

“We depend entirely on the generosity of this community and are incredibly thankful for the love and support we receive,” she said. “It takes a tremendous amount of money, supplies, and resources to serve our homeless neighbors, and we could not do this work without the people of Carbon County standing beside us.”

Elsewhere, Willow Foundation’s Alderwood office, 191 S. First St., Lehighton, expects additional appointments during the extreme heat, according to Amanda Gipson, CEO of the Willow Foundation.

Gipson said that, “Contrary to what many people expect, the need for daytime services is often higher in the summer than it is in the winter.

“Extreme heat is dangerous in a way that builds quietly over consecutive days, and the people least able to cope with it — those who spend prolonged periods outdoors, older adults, and individuals managing chronic health conditions — are often the ones most affected when the heat doesn’t let up,” Gipson said. “Access to a cool indoor space, drinking water, and connection to practical resources can be the difference between a difficult day and a medical emergency.”

Gipson noted that Willow Foundation’s 2025 data shows that demand for low-barrier daytime services increased during the summer months, with average daily visits rising by roughly a quarter between the coldest days in winter and the warmest days in summer.

“Based on those trends, Alderwood expects one or two additional appointments each day during periods of extreme heat,” she said. “Community members can schedule appointments for assistance information and referrals to essential resources.”

Gipson said these include seasonal supports such as sunscreen, bottled water, and connections to existing cooling supports in the area.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at Willow Foundation’s Alderwood office, community members may call 570-455-7000 or visit willow-foundation.org.