Tents are a temporary option for the homeless––but only as long as the weather holds.
But sometimes, as in Cobleskill, homeless in tents on public property raises questions.
Adult Services in the Schoharie County Department of Social Services is giving tents and sleeping bags to those who refuse to go to shelters in Albany or Schenectady.
So far, there isn’t a huge demand; only three individuals have taken tents and bags, according to Social Services Commissioner Donna Becker.
The process, she said, is that people come to the Social Services office and say they’re homeless. If they qualify, they’re offered the shelters in Albany or Schenectady.
“If they tell us no, we offer tents and sleeping bags,” Ms. Becker said.
Bill Federice, chair of the Board of Supervisors, confirmed the policy.
“They didn’t want to stay [in shelter],” Mr. Federice said, “so we gave out tents.”
The offer is good only for single people, she said, because Social Services is saving local motel rooms for families with children in local schools.
The intent is to have those with tents go to land owned by relatives, state land or campgrounds.
That became an issue last week, when callers to the Times-Journal noted that a tent––or tents––were at Teen Town/Golding Park, Village of Cobleskill property.
A village park isn’t feasible because park hours are dawn to dark.
“A couple was told they had to leave because they couldn’t stay there after dark,” Cobleskill Mayor Becky Stanton-Terk said.
A single tent was in Golding Park last week, but it was gone Monday morning.
Ms. Becker admitted tents and sleeping bags aren’t ideal, but the lack of motel rooms and other possibilities make them necessary.
“We wish we could do more,” Ms. Becker said, “but we can’t leave them to sleep out under a bridge.
“It’s pretty sad.”
“It’s a serious situation that’s not getting any better,” Mr. Federice added.
When colder weather hits, the Warnerville Warming Center, a 10-bed Code Blue shelter, will be available.
Set to open November 1, the Warming Center will house people when the temperature drops to about 32 degrees.
Open only weekdays last winter, the Warming Center will also be open weekends and holidays this year and will offer a warm meal and the ability to do laundry.