County Accepts $426K Funding from State for Code Blue

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors during its monthly meeting on Nov. 19 approved the acceptance of $426,000 in state funds as a Code Blue allocation.   

The county will use $405,000 of the Code Blue allocation to enter into an agreement with Shelters of Saratoga regarding costs associated with operating a Code Blue Shelter. The remaining balance of up to $21,000 is to be used for costs incurred by DSS in providing shelter for people not able to be housed at the Code Blue Shelter, and/or for DSS staff salaries to operate the Code Blue Program. 

The funding covers the period commencing Oct. 1, 2024 and expiring Sept. 30, 2025.  

Local social services districts, including the county’s Department of Social Services are required to issue a Code Blue Alert and take emergency measures for the homeless during “inclement winter weather” – specified as weather with air temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two consecutive hours.

The Code Blue allocation is available via the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.