Lansing's Code Blue Warming Centers Exceed Budget but Will Continue

City officials say the program that provides shelter for the homeless during extreme cold will remain funded and operational despite budget overruns.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:48pm

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Lansing's Code Blue initiative, which activates warming centers across the city during extreme cold, has spent more than $63,000 this winter season — surpassing its $40,000 budget allocation. However, Mayor Andy Schor says the program will remain funded and operational despite the budget overrun.

Why it matters

The Code Blue program provides critical shelter and resources for people experiencing homelessness in Lansing during the winter months when temperatures can be dangerously low. Ensuring the continuation of this program is vital for protecting vulnerable members of the community.

The details

The Code Blue program designates several locations, including the CATA Transportation Center, as warming centers for people experiencing homelessness during cold weather. The city has activated Code Blue 72 times this winter, exceeding the $40,000 budget and spending over $63,000 so far. Mayor Schor says the city will find additional funds to cover the gap and ensure the program remains operational.

  • Lansing has activated its Code Blue warming center initiative 72 times this winter season.
  • The city budgeted $40,000 for Code Blue but has already spent more than $63,000.

The players

Andy Schor

The mayor of Lansing, Michigan, who says the Code Blue program will remain funded and operational despite the budget overrun.

Devin Herrick

A 21-year-old who was previously homeless and relied on the CATA Bus station as a warming center during the winter.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just glad they're continuing it because it gives a lot of homeless people and opportunity to stay warm and it could save a life.”

— Devin Herrick

“Well, we'll look and see where we have dollars, where we've gone over with dollars and where the extra dollars are available and make amendments from there.”

— Andy Schor, Mayor

What’s next

The city will need to identify additional funding sources to cover the $23,000 budget shortfall for the Code Blue program this winter.

The takeaway

Lansing's commitment to providing warming centers for the homeless during extreme cold weather, even when the program exceeds its budget, demonstrates the city's dedication to protecting vulnerable members of the community and ensuring access to critical resources.