The former Grand Union Motel on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs will house the 2023-24 Code Blue Winter Shelter beginning in the fall of 2023. Code Blue, a New York State mandate, is operated by Shelters of Saratoga in partnership with Saratoga County. The lease was signed in early June and will offer semi-private rooms to individuals facing homelessness when the temperature drops below 32 degrees. 

In past seasons, the shelter was an open space lined with cots. The new location will offer guests additional privacy, critical for restful sleep. Sleep is key to a healthy life, and we are working diligently to make accommodations as comfortable as possible. 

In 2022-23, 271 unduplicated adults used the 61 available shelter cots on Adelphi Street, which was full most nights. The new location will shelter up to 80 adults.  

“I was eager to help after learning Code Blue was searching for a new location,” stated Steve Ethier, owner of the Grand Union Motel and other properties in Saratoga Springs.  “While future development plans for the property are underway, I felt the motel could provide safety to those facing homelessness during the cold winter months.”

Earlier this month, RISE Housing and Support Services opened a year-round low barrier shelter at the site of last season’s Code Blue shelter on Adelphi Street. 

“We look forward to the collective impact our programs will have on reducing area homelessness. Addressing a person’s immediate needs sets the stage for engagement, relationship building, and enhanced life outcomes,” said Vaughn. “Reducing area homelessness is a collaborative effort among many Saratoga County human services agencies. We are better together. The agencies working to address homelessness are dedicated to the value they provide this community, and I’m proud of our collective impact.” 

“We have been working diligently behind the scenes, focused on finding the right solution to meet the needs of the homeless community during the cold winter months. We’re grateful for the county and Steve’s willingness to work with us, and look forward to helping more people find shelter and comfort.”

The Code Blue program is partially funded by the New York State Office of Temporary Disability in partnership with the County of Saratoga Department of Social Services.