As the colder months approach, Shelters of Saratoga is pleased to announce its upcoming 10th season of the Code Blue low-barrier winter homeless shelter. This season, the shelter will be located at the former Grand Union Motel, situated at 120 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs, New York.

The new facility offers a nightly meal and semi-private accommodations critical for a healthy night of sleep for up to 75 people. Code Blue is often the beginning of our relationship with people facing homelessness in our community. Code Blue opens the door to hope. It allows our staff to establish trust and build relationships that encourage enhanced services. Guests ready to take the next step toward stability can enroll in care management services through our NYS Health Home program, transition to the year-round Emergency Shelter on Walworth Street, or establish treatment services. Service engagement is optional. We are committed to meeting people where they are and address short and long-term stabilization goals.

We’d like to acknowledge the effort and coordination of our community stakeholders, who worked tirelessly to help us with the shelter opening: the County of Saratoga, Department of Social Services, Supervisors, and Department of Health; the City of Saratoga Springs, Pine Grove Community Church, volunteers and staff of Shelters of Saratoga as well as the many restaurants and faith groups that support nightly meals. 

Commissioner of Accounts, Dillon Moran commented, “On behalf of the City of Saratoga Springs, we are pleased that Shelters of Saratoga has established the location for Code Blue for this upcoming season. We are grateful that SOS will provide emergency overnight shelter for people facing homelessness when the weather is forecast to be 32 degrees or below. Thank you for collaborating with the Accounts Department, Saratoga Springs Fire Department, Saratoga Springs Police Department, Building Department, Code Enforcement, and City Attorney’s office to prepare our community.”

About Shelters of Saratoga’s Code Blue shelter

Safety from the harsh winter elements since 2013

Code Blue was initiated after the tragic freezing death of Nancy Pitts on the steps of the Saratoga Senior Center in 2013. Shelters of Saratoga operates the program in collaboration with local human service agencies, state and local government, faith groups, volunteers, and businesses that support shelter operations and the nightly meal program. The shelter opens when the nightly temperature drops below 32 degrees, beginning in the fall and extending through early spring.

Key Details:

• Opening Date: Tentatively scheduled to open at the end of October.

• Hours of Operation: The shelter will be available nightly from 4 pm until 8 am. When daytime temperatures consistently remain below 32 degrees, daytime hours will also be offered.

• Location: Former Grand Union Motel, 120 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866.