Code Blue Shelter

Code Blue provides safe cold-weather shelter and support for people experiencing homelessness in Saratoga County

2025-26 Shelter Location:
120 South Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Cell: 518-599-8559

WHAT IS CODE BLUE?

From November through April, we provide 75 warm beds, meals, and critical care to neighbors in need during the coldest months. More than just shelter, we offer a path forward rooted in dignity, community, and practical support. Code Blue is a NYS-mandated shelter program operated by Shelters of Saratoga since 2013.

2024-25 Highlights

  • Code Blue was open for 170 nights
  • We gave shelter to 271 unique guests, up to 75 guests per night
  • The average length of stay was 16 nights
  • 8,274 meals were served, all donated by local businesses, organizations and individuals

Code Blue Saves Lives

Code Blue Winter Shelter Highlights

November 2024 - April 2025

Nights Open

Overall Guests

Meals Served

Avg. Length of Nights Stayed

HOW WE HELP

At Shelters of Saratoga, our approach is rooted in compassion and dignity. We provide a warm, judgment-free space where people in crisis can safely escape the cold. Through peer support, service coordination, and housing navigation, we help individuals find pathways to stability and self-sufficiency. Each year, we shelter more than 400 people, meeting them where they are and walking alongside them—because everyone deserves safety, support, and hope.

HISTORY

 

 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Reduces strain on emergency services
Enhances public safety
Fosters a more compassionate Saratoga for all

COLLABORATION

Code Blue works in conjunction with Shelters of Saratoga’s programs and area community programs to achieve a continuum of services that meet people in their place of need. Code Blue is a launching point, not a last stop. 

A person’s journey can begin anywhere but we most often find people in need through local law enforcement or DSS referrals, through our Outreach Program or referrals from institutions. 

Our Outreach Program meets people on the streets, offering food and necessities as a tactic that enables trust and relationship building. This is often the first step to educating people about what help is available.  Through outreach we encourage enhanced services, enrollment in Medicaid, referrals to health services, placement in our shelter programs, or financial services.  
 
Shelters of Saratoga’s Emergency Shelter offers year-round admission-based shelter for those who benefit from a sober and structured environment. The services offered are similar to Code Blue but are available year round and guests are in shelter until a formal discharge to housing can be made. On average, the program has a 65% housing placement success rate more than double the national average for similar programs.  
 
When units are available, SOS places Code Blue guests in our 16-unit Supportive Housing program. In this program, continued stabilization is offered through case management, ensuring our tenant’s needs are met. Rent assistance is offered for those who qualify.

AREA HOUSING PROGRAMS 
RISE Housing & Support Services: Offers clinical and residential services with a focus on housing for people with mental health challenges. RISE also operates a 30-bed low barrier shelter that works in collaboration with Code Blue and SOS’s services.  

SPECIALTY PROVIDERS
YOUTH:
CAPTAIN Community Human Services
WAIT House 
 
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE or FAMILIES: 
Wellspring 
Mother Andersons 

VETS: 
Veteran’s & Community Housing Coalition (VCHC)

SUPPORT SERVICES
MENTAL HEALTH: RISE, Northern Rivers, Saratoga County Addiction Services & Mental Health 
SUBSTANCE USE: St Peter’s Hospital, RISE, Healing Springs, The Prevention Council 
FOOD INSECURITY: Lifeworks, Mechanicville Area Community Center 

HOUSING SERVICES 
RISE 
Saratoga Springs Public Housing Authority 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  • New York State
    • Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA)
    • Homeless Housing Assistance Program (HHAP)
    • Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP)
    • Office of Mental Health (OMH)
    • Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI)
    • Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR)
    • Department of Health (DOH)
  • Saratoga-North Country CoC (SNC523)
  • County of Saratoga
  • City of Saratoga Springs