Low-barrier, permanent shelter expands hours and beds amid code blue [Video]

The shelter is opening its doors an hour early this week to individuals seeking warmth and security with a future focus on helping them transition to permanent housing solutions.

A Code Blue alert in Lancaster this week, triggered by the drastic temperature drop, expanded the shelter’s capacity, allowing it to accommodate up to 95 individuals, despite its normal limit of 80 beds. 

“The first night of the code blue we had 71 clients, 52 men and 19 women,” said Larry Richardson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Roses, which operates the Clay Street shelter. 

Richardson emphasized the importance of availability in times of uncertainty for clients, even if some beds go unfilled. Clay Street officials expect to reach capacity later this week due to frigid temperatures.

The Clay Street facility has slowly ramped up its operations since the end of …