Earlier this year, Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim announced the formation of a Task Force on Homelessness to help determine the need for a 24/7 low barrier-shelter, and recommendations on where it should be located and what agency should run it.
While the Task Force on Homelessness is working toward a permanent solution, RISE developed an interim program: The Adelphi Street Shelter. The initiative was born of a collaboration between RISE and Julie and Sonny Bonacio – who provided significant financial support to get the program going. Other private donors have stepped up to support as well, and the City of Saratoga Springs has committed to providing operational funding through the end of the 2023.
We would like to thank Victoria Furfuro, RISE Advocacy and Outreach Director, for her commitment, dedication, and her endless hours of work in coordinating the opening of the shelter.
The interim shelter – located near the RISE main office building, in the former Code Blue building on Adelphi Street – will be in place until a permanent location is decided upon.
It is NOT intended to replace Code Blue, operated by Shelters of Saratoga. However, if a permanent low-barrier shelter is not opened before next winter, the Adelphi Street Shelter will continue to be operational, providing additional, crucial resources to the community.
The low-barrier, approximately 30 bed, 24-hour shelter opened on Adelphi Street Monday, June 12, 2023, providing individuals experiencing street-homelessness a safe roof over their heads and a welcoming place to “just be”.
As RISE prepared the location for guests, the Street Outreach team was THRILLED to be joined by clients who have recently experienced street-homelessness and have now been housed in the RISE supportive units at Dominic Hollow! These folks happily volunteered to clean, paint, and prepare the building to be operational as a temporary shelter.
This initiative was made possible by Julie and Sonny Bonacio, who are not only contributing the cost of the building lease, but also graciously supported crucial upgrades to including: air conditioning, laundry facilities, privacy fencing around the property, and the construction of a secure staff area.
The efforts were further supported by the generosity of Susan and Bill Dake, and NYS funding secured by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. Shelter furniture, pillows and linens were donated by Stephen “Sully” Sullivan of Longfellows, and complimented with additional linens from the Adelphi. Several rollaway beds were donated by Saratoga Casino, Holiday Inn, and Turf Hotels, and the cost of the remaining beds needed was covered by an anonymous donor.
Shelter guests are provided with 3 meals a day, thanks to the Salvation Army, Lifeworks, Saratoga Stronger, and Wheatfields! (Community partners who would like to lend a hand in the provision of dinners should reach out as there are many evenings still open for assistance.)
“The program will be low barrier, which means anybody will be welcome as they are and they’re not required to participate in case management or any other services,” said RISE Executive Director, Sybil Newell. “Primarily what we’re trying to provide is community, and a safe, welcoming environment where people can come and just be.”
Shelter guests were greeted on Monday with a welcome basket – a laundry basket, shower caddy, new clean towels, and essentials like t-shirts, socks, and under clothes. Each guest is assigned a comfortable bed with fresh linens and a locker to keep their belongings safe. Lockers were graciously donated by the Corinth School District.
Outside the shelter guest can relax, socialize with friends, lock up their bikes, and even play basketball!
Advocacy and Care Management services will be provided, but not required — there is no need for anyone to engage in anything they’re not ready to engage in – as the aim of the temporary shelter is is a place where people can have a safe roof over their heads and a place to be be during the day.
Please help RISE make the Temporary Adelphi Street Shelter a success – volunteer, donate, or help spread the word!