SOS to Open 10th Season of Code Blue on South Broadway 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Shelters of Saratoga has announced the 10th season of the Code Blue low-barrier winter homeless shelter – this year located at the former Grand Union Motel at 120 South Broadway – will open this month. 

The Code Blue shelter was previously located 4 Adelphi St. That location is currently operated by RISE Housing and Support Services as a 24/7 year-round shelter, on a temporary basis. It houses approximately 30 beds. The city of Saratoga Springs is actively reviewing proposals recommended by the city’s homelessness task force in the hope of securing a long-term permanent shelter location.  

The new Code Blue facility – which opens during the cold winter months – offers a nightly meal and semi-private accommodations critical for a healthy night of sleep. 

“Code Blue is a life saving measure that protects people from harsh cold, snow, and ice common in our area, providing nightly respite and safety,” Duane Vaughn, Executive Director of Shelters of Saratoga, said in a statement. 

In the 2022-23 season, the shelter provided 61 cots and served 271 adults. “Our Code Blue shelter was full almost every night. The new location increases our capacity by 23%, providing space for up to 75 people,” said Vaughn. 

Code Blue is a state-mandated program administered by Saratoga County. 

Code Blue was initiated after the tragic freezing death of Nancy Pitts in 2013. Shelters of Saratoga operates the program in collaboration with local human service agencies, state and local government, faith groups, volunteers, and businesses that support shelter operations and the nightly meal program. The shelter opens when the nightly temperature drops below 32 degrees, beginning in the fall and extending through early spring.  

Shelter Needs: Nightly volunteers are needed from 5:30-7 p.m. to serve dinner to guests. Interested volunteers can sign up at sheltersofsaratoga.org.

For those interested in donating, the shelter is in need of the following items: Granola bars; Individually packaged snacks; Drink mix; Condiments; Peanut butter; Jelly; Stewart’s gift cards.  Donations of goods will be accepted at 120 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs (center building) beginning in November. 

For more information or to get involved, visit www.sheltersofsaratoga.org or contact Shelters of Saratoga directly at 518-581-1097 or info@sheltersofsaratoga.org