The Saratoga County Code Blue Shelter, that serves the winter shelter needs of people facing street homelessness in the Saratoga Springs, NY area, recently wrapped up the 9th season. The program is operated by Shelters of Saratoga in accordance with NYS Emergency Measures for the Homeless During Inclement Winter Weather. The regulation mitigates the effects of inclement winter weather, and the resulting impacts of such weather on individuals experiencing homelessness, as the responsibility of each social service district.  

Shelters of Saratoga opened the low barrier Code Blue winter shelter in 2013 after the freezing death of Nancy Pitts. The agency has operated programs designed with the ultimate goal of ending a person’s homelessness in the City since 1991. In addition to operating 9 seasons of Code Blue, the agency manages the Emergency Shelter on Walworth Street which provides 24/7/365 housing-focused shelter as well as 11 supportive housing units.

In 2022-23, Code Blue offered 61 nightly cots at the temporary 4 Adelphi Street shelter. 271 individuals sought shelter from October 2022 until it closed in April. Shelter utilization rate was 87%. Over 11,000 meals were donated by area restaurants and civic organizations. Community volunteers spent 600 hours providing guest assistance throughout the season. 

Staff case management provided guest navigation services to those interested which resulted in 23 clients placed in housing, 22 transferring to SOS’ year-round emergency shelter, and 12 seeking treatment.

The 4 Adelphi Street lease with Saratoga County ended on April 30, 2023. SOS has worked continuously to site a permanent shelter within the City. Each location has been blocked, including the last effort to open a daytime Navigation Center at 5 Williams Street. The next Code Blue location will be announced later this summer. 

Though the Code Blue Winter shelter is now closed for the season, the work to address area homelessness continues through the agency’s Health Home Care Management program, a division of the NYS Department of Health. Services are available to Medicaid enrollees that enhance health and housing outcomes. Further guest engagement is provided through the community-funded Street Outreach program to encampments and area motels. The program provides basic needs and enhanced services to unsheltered adults and families. 

Shelters of Saratoga remains focused on its mission to transform the lives of people facing homelessness with supportive services, safe shelter, and a path to independence. A strong local and national focus on addressing the ongoing housing and mental health crisis is needed.

2022-23 Highlights

• 61 nightly cots, first-come, first-served basis 
• 271 individual guests
• Open for 169 nights, 81 days
• Average length of stay: 33 nights 
• 11,125 meals served, donated by local businesses and organizations

Outcomes:
Housing: 23 people, Emergency Shelter: 22 people, Treatment: 12 people

Shelters of Saratoga would like to acknowledge the various stakeholders that participate in the continuum of homeless care services:

• The County of Saratoga Department of Social Services
• The City of Saratoga Springs
• Saratoga North Country (SNC523) Continuum of Care
• The New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance, Shelter Oversight Division
• Shelters of Saratoga Staff and Board of Directors
• Community Volunteers
• Restaurants, Faith-Based and Civic Organizations

Thank you to our 2022-23 Dinner Providers!

The community’s support is appreciated throughout the year. Please consider donating food and necessities to help serve our guests this spring and summer season.