Mike Agnew saw a bulletin notice in the Church of St. Jude the Apostle in 2022 looking for volunteers for Code Purple to assist area homeless during cold winter nights in the Lewes area. Realizing how prevalent homelessness is because of unaffordable housing options, he decided to become involved, and before he knew it, he took on the leadership role.
Code Purple is an all-volunteer, nondenominational ministry providing shelter and a homemade meal every night between the dates of December 1 and March 15. Both men and women are served; the men sleep at St. Jude’s Parish Life Center in Lewes, while the women have shelter at Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rehoboth Beach.
As Mike explains, the program is designed to be a temporary shelter program, and there are contractual rules regarding participation and responsibility. Assistance from social service organizations are all a key component of Code Purple. Help in securing employment or volunteer work is provided. For those guests who have jobs but the inability to find affordable housing, transportation to and from the shelters is provided in the morning and evening.
Thanks to the generosity of St. Jude’s and its pastor, Father Brian Lewis, the Code Purple program is in its 4th season. In addition to the winter program, a new organization led by Mike Agnew and a volunteer board of directors , Tharros, is a mini community located adjacent to Tokyo restaurant in the former site of Delaware State Police Troop 7. Tharros is utilized in between Code Purple seasons.
Tents are provided in a safe fenced are, and as an extension of the winter program, Tharros has become a year round ministry. The application process and the same rules ensure that the residents of Tharros are in the process of improving their situation. If they cannot find employment, “guests” as they are called must log hours volunteering for local nonprofits as an alternative.
Mike Agnew’s impressive background includes a degree in theology, teaching and working in finance and statistics. When he became involved with Code Purple, he immediately recognized the need for a manual. His organizational skills – including coaching baseball have proven to be a motivator for participants, many of whom have improved their personal circumstances and now reside in homes or apartments.
A common denominator of participants is past trauma, and sometimes medical conditions such as mental health or addiction. In the latter circumstances, Tharros and Code Purple participants must attend AA or Al-Anon meetings regularly, or even go through inpatient treatment.
Administration of Code Purple and Tharros have been a daunting undertaking, which Agnew admits, “we are still learning our way.” Although Tharros is not within its limits, the City of Lewes has generously contributed $25,000 to support efforts to provide tents, toilets and running water and trash service.
Beebe Healthcare has been a strong partner with Tharros, providing weekly well checks and mental health assessments. 1st State Community Action is also involved. Agnew credits local elected officials, including Senator Russ Huxtable for addressing the very real problem of homelessness in lower Sussex County.
Code Purple has a roster of over 250 volunteers. They selflessly donate their time, such as staying overnight with the guests, organizing their daily intake, and cooking healthy meals. Donations of clothing and pantry staples are crucial. There are volunteer drivers and weekly launderers. It is an impressive list of people willing to assist. Many Tharros and Code Purple volunteers are retired.
As December approaches quickly, Code Purple welcomes volunteers and donations. An informational meeting took place on November 11, and “de-escalation” training by the State Police. There is also training provided on administering Narcan, although thankfully, Agnew says no one has ever needed to use it.
An efficient scheduling app for volunteers, SignUp can be found for phone or computer on your provider’s app store. Once you register, you can check the schedule regularly, as occasional cancelations happen. For example, in the event of a winter storm, extra volunteers are needed.
New this year, Code Purple has signed up for Amazon Smile’s charitable website. Purchases for Code Purple’s Wish List are shipped directly to St. Jude, so there is no need to arrange a drop-off (although any donation is welcomed).
Scan the QR code attached to this article from your phone, and Code Purple’s Wish List will come up to make ordering simplified.
For more information on Code Purple, visit SignUp.com, or contact Mike Agnew, Executive Director, Tharros: [email protected].
Bridget FitzPatrick
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