A shocking report from the New York State Comptroller’s Office, released in late January, underscores just how critical the need for safe shelter and life-saving essential services has become in our region. In just two years (from January 2022 to January 2024), homelessness in the Saratoga-Warren-Washington-Hamilton County area has surged by 138% (New York State Comptroller’s Office, 2024).

At Shelters of Saratoga, we see the reality behind these numbers every day. Last year alone, we assisted 464 individuals with safe shelter, support services, or housing. These aren’t just statistics, they represent real people – parents, seniors, sisters, brothers, loved ones, who have nowhere else to turn.

One of the biggest driving factors behind this surge in homelessness is the skyrocketing cost of housing. Since 2022, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Saratoga County has increased by 24.12% (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2024). As rent continues to climb beyond what many can afford, more people are being forced into unstable living situations—or worse, onto the streets.

We refuse to stand by as the crisis deepens. Over the past year, we’ve taken significant steps to expand our capacity and provide lasting solutions:

• Walworth Street Emergency Shelter Expansion – Our long-awaited renovation is finally underway. Once completed later this year, we’ll be able to serve even more people in need of emergency shelter and essential services.
• Ballston Ave Supportive Apartments – We recently opened nine new units of permanent supportive housing for individuals who have struggled with long-term homelessness.
• Permanent Code Blue Shelter – In a monumental step forward, Saratoga County has secured land for us to build a permanent Code Blue shelter, ensuring that no one in our community is left out in the cold.

Even with these strides, the demand for shelter continues to grow. Rising rents and the increasing cost of food are pushing more people to the brink of homelessness. The need is overwhelming—but your support makes a difference.

Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every shared moment of compassion helps change lives. Together, we can continue to provide hope, stability, and a path forward for those in our community who need it most.