Code Blue without a Shelter in Fulton County
County Commissioner Explains Shelter Options
When the weather hits 32 degrees, Social Services Commissioner Anne Solar says just like any other county, Fulton has to provide shelter for those in need.
Warming Shelters Used
“People who are homeless or living outside are placed in a warming shelter. To do that, Fulton County uses hotels in the local area,”
Loss of Local Shelter
The City of Gloversville had a shelter of its own run by the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (IPH). However, IPH posted to Facebook that it won’t be operating in the area this year.
Instead, IPH looks to create permanent housing by potentially buying units from the YMCA to offer, “long-term stability and resources that go beyond what a seasonal shelter can provide.”
Alternative Resources
“There are a few resources for youth,” explained Solar. “So sometimes, we would use CAPTAIN or SAVE, Inc. but in general, people are placed in hotels and motels.”
Code Blue Numbers
The amount of unhoused people living in Fulton County has gone up. However, many of these people are enrolled in the area’s regular emergency assistance. There are 47 families cared for by standard programming and less than six people staying in area hotels during Code Blue.
Sanctioned Individuals
“It would be somebody who has not followed the rules and so has been sanctioned from the program that is eligible for true Code Blue” stated Solar. Fulton County is looking to hire another caseworker for its standard housing program. Anyone interested can click here.
Permanent Housing Plans
NEWS10’s Anthony Krolikowski reached out to IPH to find out when permanent housing could be offered. Officials would not comment further.
Conclusion
Fulton County is working to provide shelter for those in need during Code Blue events, despite the loss of a local shelter. The county is using hotels and alternative resources to house individuals and families. Permanent housing plans are also in the works, with IPH looking to create long-term stability and resources for those in need.
FAQs
* What is Code Blue?
+ Code Blue is a weather-related emergency declaration that triggers the activation of emergency shelters and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
* What is the current situation with shelters in Fulton County?
+ Fulton County is using hotels and alternative resources to house individuals and families during Code Blue events, as the local shelter run by IPH is not operating this year.
* What are the plans for permanent housing in Fulton County?
+ IPH is working to create permanent housing by potentially buying units from the YMCA, offering long-term stability and resources for those in need.
