About Homelessness
Homelessness is a complex human issue, effecting tens of thousands of New Yorkers on any given night, including hundreds in the Saratoga region. In 2023, 34% of families in Saratoga County experienced financial hardship, and at-risk of homelessness.
Shelters of Saratoga’s programs offer a comprehensive approach to care. Our programs span the continuum of care from life-saving winter shelter to long-term stabilization through our emergency shelter program on Walworth Street. Just as the reasons for homeless are complex, so are the solutions.
Four Main Causes of Homelessness
LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
POVERTY
UNEMPLOYMENT
LOW WAGES
NYS Homelessness
people face homelessness in NYS
%
of households faced financial hardship in 2022
%
poverty rate
How our programs help
BASIC NEEDS AND SHELTER
We operate two shelter programs intended to meet people at varying stages of their journey.
Code Blue Low-Barrier Shelter
Shelter of Saratoga has operated the NYS mandated Code Blue shelter for Saratoga County since it opened in 2013 (it was signed into law in 2016). This is a life-saving measure to keep people from freezing to death outside during the winter.
The shelter is geared toward adults 18 years and older, and is available from November until April. The shelter operates with the least amount of barriers to entry as possible. Sobriety is not required, however, no drugs or alcohol are allowed on the property, and illegal activity is strictly prohibited.
Guests of the shelter are not required to engage in services, but support is offered and encouraged. Each year, we successfully place many guests into housing or long-term treatment through this program. If guests choose, our year-round Emergency Shelter program may be the next step in their journey.
Emergency Shelter
Our year-round Emergency Shelter program offers a safe and therapeutic environment for those ready to transition to housing or supportive care. Our shelter locations at 14 and 20 Walworth Street offer 31 beds with 24-hour care and individualized case management services. All basic needs are provided through this program. The objective is to help our guests achieve self-sufficiency and housing. On average, 60% of program participants move out of the shelter into supportive or independent housing.
OUTREACH
Outreach services provide vital food assistance to individuals and families temporarily lodged in motels. Through these connections, we can help navigate people to needed services, arrange transportation, and encourage a higher level of care.
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
Supportive housing is affordable housing with onsite services that help formerly homeless, disabled tenants live in dignity in the community. Supportive housing is permanent and affordable: All tenants hold leases and pay about a third of their income in rent. The residences are owned and operated by nonprofit organizations, and are accountable to their city, state, and federal funders.
In New York State, several capital and operating programs are available to help people facing homelessness secure housing. The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) provides capital grants and loans to not-for-profit corporations, charitable and religious organizations, municipalities and public corporations to acquire, construct or rehabilitate housing for persons who are homeless and are unable to secure adequate housing without special assistance.
The Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) and New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) provides funding for supportive services.
Shelters of Saratoga currently operates 16 supportive housing units.
COMMUNITY-BASED CARE MANAGEMENT
Shelters of Saratoga is a NYS Health Home (NYSHH) provider through Adirondack Health Institute (AHI), which offers ongoing care management services to eligible Medicaid enrollees with a chronic health condition. The goal of Health Home is to stabilize/manage a participant’s chronic condition to avoid burdening the health care system. The Health Home program offers the following services: comprehensive assessments, goal setting, healthcare management, and housing stabilization. Participation in the NYSHH program is voluntary.
Our Health Home care management services are available to enrollees no matter where they are, at home, on the streets, or in shelter.
Collaboration & Local Planning
Saratoga-North Country Continuum of Care
Shelters of Saratoga is an active member of the Saratoga-North Country Continuum of Care (SNC COC). The HUD-sponsored collaborative is the planning body for the federal funding stream, which provides housing, shelter, and support services. The COC is comprised of provider agencies, faith-based community members, persons with lived experiences, local government entities, and community advocates.
The role of the COC and its members is to respond to and end homelessness, oversee the coordination of care, and provide oversight of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
COC-Funded Programs include:
Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Rehousing, Transitional Housing, and Support Services Only