Code Blue Season 2022-23: Open 169 Nights, 81 Days; 11,125 Meals Served

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Code Blue Shelter, that serves the winter shelter needs of people facing street homelessness in the Saratoga Springs area, recently wrapped up the 9th season. 

In 2022-23, Code Blue offered 61 nightly cots at the temporary 4 Adelphi St. shelter. 271 unduplicated guests sought shelter from October 2022 until it closed in April. Shelter utilization rate was 87%. Over 11,000 meals were donated by area restaurants and civic organizations. Community volunteers spent 600 hours providing guest assistance throughout the season.  

The program is operated by Shelters of Saratoga in accordance with NYS Emergency Measures for the Homeless During Inclement Winter Weather. The regulation mitigates the effects of inclement winter weather, and the resulting impacts of such weather on individuals experiencing homelessness, as the responsibility of each social service district.   

Staff case management provided guest navigation services to those interested which resulted in 23 clients placed in housing, 22 transferring to SOS’ year-round emergency shelter, and 12 seeking treatment. 

The 4 Adelphi Street lease with Saratoga County ended on April 30 and SOS has worked continuously to site a permanent shelter within the city, according to a statement released by the organization. Each location has been blocked, including the last effort to open a daytime Navigation Center at 5 Williams St. The next Code Blue location will be announced later this summer.  

Shelters of Saratoga opened the low barrier Code Blue winter shelter in 2013 after the freezing death of Nancy Pitts. The agency has operated programs designed with the ultimate goal of ending a person’s homelessness in the city since 1991. In addition to operating 9 seasons of Code Blue, the agency manages the Emergency Shelter on Walworth Street which provides 24/7/365 housing-focused shelter as well as 11 supportive housing units. 

For more information about Shelters of Saratoga visit: www.sheltersofsaratoga.org