Niagara Falls police say the body of a homeless man exposed to the recent extreme cold weather was found Wednesday afternoon.
The man was located about 4 p.m. behind a building in the 8700 block of Niagara Falls Boulevard. City firefighters and ambulance crew also responded to the scene. Foul play is not suspected, according to police at the scene.
There are a number of “Code Blue” shelters across the area available for individuals to escape the cold weather during the day and overnight when the real temperature drops below 32F.
Niagara Rescue Mission in the Falls proactively seek out homeless individuals during Code Blue events in an effort to make sure they are able to find shelter when temps dip below freezing. The team, using a van donated by the Western New York Ford Dealers, drives around neighborhoods in the Falls, North Tonawanda, and other parts of the county during Code Blue events to help find any homeless persons looking for shelter.
In addition, team members have used the van to deliver care packages, to those individuals who refuse transportation, containing a blanket, hats, gloves and snacks.
Niagara Gospel Mission at 1317 Portage Road (716-205-8805) opens its doors to those in need of a warm shelter.
In addition, Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, 1570 Buffalo Ave. (716-285-3403) is a Code Blue site.
The mission, located at 1317 Portage Road
Niagara County Crisis Services has also created a list of warming shelters available to individuals during Code Blue. Call 716-285-3515 for more information.