Oneonta, New York Warming Station Opens November 1

At a ribbon cutting ceremony organized by the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties unveiled their new community warming center which opens on November 1st and is located on Chestnut Street in Oneonta. The warming center was created to help those who are unhoused in Oneonta come in from the frigid cold during the winter months.

Catholic Charities noted on their Facebook page:

We are so blessed to be a part of such a supportive community, without whom, we could not do what we do. Today’s ceremony was attended by representatives from the faith community, service agencies, law enforcement, the colleges, medical professionals and local community members. We were especially happy to welcome members from the original Caring for the Homeless Population Collaborative, and are privileged to work to continue their vision of offering a safe, warm environment for our most vulnerable during the cold winter months.

The warming center is not a shelter, though it will make available a place to sleep for the night, food, shower facilities, and a washer and dryer. The Department of Social Services will also be on hand at the facility to assist with signing up for SNAP benefits as well as health insurance.

Jennifer Reynolds, warming center program director added:

A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature (or wind chill value) drops to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. During this time, the Homeless population must be offered a warm, safe place to be. Our location allows 10 individuals to be housed for the night. We are currently searching for a Case Manager to work onsite to assist our guests search for services offered by local agencies, with the hopes that we can end their homeless episode.

The facility will be open through March 31.