S.O.S  Launching New Code Blue Shelter

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The former Grand Union Motel on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs will house the 2023-24 Code Blue Winter Shelter beginning in the fall of 2023, Shelters of Saratoga announced this week. 

S.O.S. will operate the shelter in partnership with Saratoga County. The shelter will offer semi-private rooms to individuals facing homelessness when the temperature drops below 32 degrees.

“In past seasons, the shelter was an open space lined with cots,” S.O.S. Executive Director Duane Vaughn said in a statement. “The new location will offer guests additional privacy, critical for restful sleep. Sleep is key to a healthy life, and we are working diligently to make accommodations as comfortable as possible. We are pleased to offer nightly shelter in this modified model this coming winter.”

In 2022-23, 271 unduplicated adults used the 61 available shelter cots at Code Blue on Adelphi Street, which was full most nights. 

The new location will shelter up to 80 adults and is in addition to the recently opened 35-bed 24/7 all-weather facility operated by RISE, a short walk away. RISE Housing and Support Services opened a year-round low barrier shelter earlier this month at the site of last season’s Code Blue shelter on Adelphi Street.

“We look forward to the collective impact our programs will have on reducing area homelessness,” Vaughn said.  “Reducing area homelessness is a collaborative effort among many Saratoga County human services agencies. We are better together.” 

Steve Ethier, owner of the Grand Union Motel said that while future development plans for the property are underway, the motel can provide safety to those facing homelessness during the cold winter months.

The Code Blue program is funded by the New York State Office of Temporary Disability in partnership with the County of Saratoga Department of Social Services.

To learn more about the Code Blue program and Shelters of Saratoga, visit www.sheltersofsaratoga.org