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Warming Center Opening Tonight in Liberty, Followed Tomorrow by Monticello

Monticello, NY – Sullivan County plans to open a warming shelter tonight in Liberty, followed by a second one in Monticello tomorrow night.

“We intend to operate the warming centers from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on any night the National Weather Service forecasts an overnight low temperature of 15 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Tonight’s forecast low is 13 degrees Fahrenheit; therefore, we are preparing to open for the first time this season,” confirmed Social Services Commissioner John Liddle.

Moving forward, decisions to open will be made no later than noon any given day, and the Department of Family Services will notify community stakeholders and the public when that happens.

These two locations will be open starting at 8 p.m. on the following dates and continuing thereafter, as conditions warrant:

  • December 15: United Methodist Church, 170 North Main Street, Liberty
  • December 16: Ted Stroebele Recreation Center, 2 Jefferson Street, Monticello

PLEASE NOTE: COVID-19 screening will take place at the entrances to each facility, in order to ensure the safety of everyone in the shelter. Questions about potential exposure to coronavirus will be asked, and temperatures will be taken, with anyone who has a body temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit being given alternate accommodations. Masks (covering the mouth and nose) will be required, along with proper social distancing. 

“The warming centers are open to all, and we will ensure they are kept clean, safe and sanitized,” affirmed District 2 Legislator Nadia Rajsz, chair of the Legislature’s Health & Family Services Committee. “We are very pleased to be able to work once again with our community partners to provide this program, which gives people a safe and warm place to stay for the night, regardless of their situation. I’m very grateful for the kind and dedicated volunteers who give of their time to make this possible.”

A comprehensive and interactive map of these locations is available on the County website at www.sullivanny.us/Departments/RealProperty/GISData. Click on the “Warming and Cooling Center Locator” app button at the bottom of the page.

In addition, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – which can provide funds for fuel and heating system repair/replacement – continues Countywide, including aid for emergency heating situations. For more information, call 845-807-0142.

During the daytime hours (12-1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, except holidays), the Federation for the Homeless at 9 Monticello Street in Monticello offers takeout food, and afterhours emergency food requests can be made to the Federation at 845-798-8774. The Federation’s pantry is open to all (no documentation required) from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday, as well.