Resolution pushed forward for Code Blue shelter in Saratoga Springs

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Law & Finance Committee voted to move a resolution forward that would authorize the county to buy a permanent Code Blue Shelter in Saratoga Springs. The full Board of Supervisors will vote on the resolution at an August 20 board meeting.

According to Saratoga County Public Relations, the resolution authorizes the county to purchase a 1.4-acre parcel, worth roughly $3M, at 96 Ballston Avenue in Saratoga Springs. 96 Ballston Avenue is near the Saratoga County Mental Health Facility bus line, making it easily accessible for those seeking the County’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

The county would enter a long-term lease with the Shelters of Saratoga, who would build and operate the shelter. Shelters of Saratoga currently provides the County’s Code Blue services.

“We are very excited to announce that, after many months of collaboration, a permanent code blue location has been secured by Saratoga County,” said Mayor of Saratoga Springs John Safford. “The city has been coordinating with the county and the many service providers in Saratoga Springs to build a comprehensive approach to address the addictions, mental health and the unhoused-populations in our area.  A permanent code blue shelter will be a significant step in our city/county initiative to address the needs of our unhoused-population, because it will be built to provide services that are difficult to make available in temporary locations. In particular I want to thank Supervisor Barrett, County Administrator Steve Bulger, Commissioner Maxwell, Supervisor Veitch, and Supervisor Madigan, RISE, SOS and the Prevention Council for helping to make this happen.”

“It has been a longstanding goal of Saratoga County to develop a comprehensive, sustainable solution to address homelessness within the County,” said Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Phil Barrett. “The purchase of this property will provide those in need with a permanent location to seek shelter during harsh winter weather and will allow the county to more easily provide a transparent budgeting process for the costs of running the Code Blue program.  I thank our Law & Finance Committee, the County Department of Social Services, the City of Saratoga Springs, and Shelters of Saratoga for working together to effectuate this plan of action, which has broad support of our local elected officials.”

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