Blog
Welcome to NJ 211's Blog! Explore different topics surrounding our organization, including:
- Program highlights
- Team member and partner introductions
- Specific updates for our New Jersey neighbors
Details about 211 on a larger scale
and more!
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The Rundown on "Code Blue"
Have you ever scrolled through social media, seen a post talking about a “Code Blue" alert, and wondered, “what is that”? With a winter as cold as this one, Code Blue posts may have popped up on your feed once or twice.
A Code Blue alert happens when temperatures have or are expected to drop below freezing, and conditions are considered unsafe for those living unsheltered. Code Blue season typically runs from November to March, depending on the weather.
In the event a Code Blue alert is activated for your county, this means that additional shelter arrangements including designated warming centers are open to provide unsheltered county residents a warm, safe place to stay during the activation period. In New Jersey, each county is responsible for watching the upcoming weather, making the Code Blue declaration, and establishing warming centers for their residents.
NJ 211 helps each county share this information by keeping an up-to-date list of current Code Blue activations and warming centers on our New Jersey Code Blue webpage. Our community resource specialists are available to ensure all New Jersey residents can find the information they need to make a plan during these times.
Now that you know the rundown on Code Blue, share this information with your community! Visit our New Jersey Code Blue webpage or text “njcodeblue” to 898-211 to find a list of current Code Blue activations and warming centers. Stay warm, NJ!
November's Shutdown: SNAP Recap
When resource gaps widen, NJ 211 works quickly to fill the space.
In early November 2025, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency for New Jersey due to the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits, a program many members of our community rely on to provide nutritious meals for them and their families. NJ 211 is written into several emergency support functions, as listed by the New Jersey State Emergency Operation Plan. When the state directed New Jerseyans our way to be a trusted source of information during this man-made disaster, our team sprang into action.
Our website housed a prominent SNAP recipient information hub to keep people informed with the most up-to-date instruction provided by the state, step-by-step directions on how to use our social service directory to find food, and emergency food distributions and programs by county. During this time, NJ 211 recorded:
- 91,719 website sessions
- 29,920 website searches for food
- 26,016 views of our food resources page, which houses the SNAP recipient information hub
- 48 pop-up food distribution sites
Our social service directory continued to grow and strengthen thanks to our database team. During the shutdown, the database team added 163 new programs and updated 602 program profiles; of these, 134 new food programs were added, and 199 existing food programs were updated.
On our call center side, we quickly created new navigation options into our interactive voice response (IVR) to direct callers to food specific resources. When a person called 211, they would be asked if they were looking for food resources and instructed to “press 1” if they would like a link to our food resources page.
As we reflect on the widespread impact the disruption in benefits and government function had across the nation, 211 systems including NJ 211 showcase the importance of resource navigators in the face of crisis. In the face of uncertainty, NJ 211 remains steady and available to assist, thanks to the commitment of our team, partners, and community.
'Tis the Season for Give a Christmas
An initiative that lives close to our hearts had another successful run this past holiday season.
For the seventh year in a row, NJ 211 partnered with the Burlington County Times to assist with their 57th Annual “Give a Christmas” program. With NJ 211’s quick and efficient text platform program, eligible families living in Burlington County were able to access the program’s screening survey and apply for the holiday assistance program by simply texting “GAC” to the associated number.
This Christmas, 547 families received gift cards to help bring Christmas magic to their households without feeling the added financial stress the holidays can bring. Donations raised graciously by the Burlington County Times community added up to $67,900, creating the opportunity for memorable moments for these families, and making this Christmas one to remember.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” wrote one Give a Christmas recipient. “My grandbaby is so very grateful for the ‘toys that make noise’ she will love. Merry Christmas!”
“Thank you so much, this was truly a blessing,” wrote another Give a Christmas recipient. “I really appreciate it!”
A heartfelt thank you to the Burlington County Times team for continuing our partnership that positively impacts our community and further fuels our drive to be a lifeline for New Jerseyans in need. Cheers to another year of giving back!