15° and Light freezing rain
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Niagara Falls, NY — January 2026 — 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, supplied critical items like hats, coats, socks, handwarmers and gloves, and has provided 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 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 Mission’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.
Niagara Gospel Mission 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 Mission 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 Colton Lackey, Development Director.
Niagara Gospel Mission is a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit providing services to the homeless and poor. Visit niagaragospelmission.org to learn more about current services and plans to develop services for homeless women.
