MONTICELO, NY — In the winter of 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo mandated that homeless shelters provide protection from the elements for homeless people whenever the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In complying with the so-called “Code Blue” mandate, warming centers in Monticello and Liberty will be open seven days a week through the winter.

“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, who is also chair of the legislature’s Health and Family Services Committee.

According to a press release from the county, the initiative will come with a cost of $110,900, but the cost will be reimbursed by the state. There will be heat, cots, blankets, bathrooms, water and light food at the following locations:

Ted Stroebele Recreation Center, 2 Jefferson St., Monticello—operated from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. by the Village of Monticello and the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless.

United Methodist Church, 170 North Main St., Liberty—operated from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. by the Liberty United Methodist Church and New Beginnings Community Worship Center.
“The warming centers are open to all,” Health and Family Services (HFS) 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.”

According to HFS, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is available to help people pay for heat during the winter season.