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Warming Centers Will Be Open All Winter in Liberty, Monticello

Monticello, NY – As part of New York State’s “Code Blue” mandate, Sullivan County will begin operating overnight warming shelters seven days a week with partner agencies in Liberty and Monticello.

“Our Department of Family Services is collaborating with the Federation for the Homeless, the Village of Monticello, and two churches in Liberty to ensure no one suffers one night out in the cold this winter,” said District 2 Legislator Nadia Rajsz, chair of the Legislature’s Health & Family Services Committee, which yesterday passed the authorizing legislation.

The County will pay a total of $119,000, reimbursable by the State, to the following partners to provide staffing, heat, shelter, cots, blankets, bathrooms, light food and water at these locations every night from November 18, 2019 to March 31, 2020:

  • Ted Stroebele Recreation Center, 2 Jefferson Street, Monticello – operated from 7 p.m.-7 a.m. by the Village of Monticello and the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless
  • United Methodist Church, 170 North Main Street, Liberty – operated from 7 p.m.-8 a.m. by the Liberty United Methodist Church and New Beginnings Community Worship Center

“The warming centers are open to all,” Health & Family Services Commissioner Joe Todora affirmed. “We are very pleased to be able to work once again with our community partners to provide this expansion of our program.”

During daytime hours (8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays), the Federation for the Homeless at 9 Monticello Street offers food and warmth, as well, and the Government Center and local libraries welcome folks during normal business hours.

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.