On Thursday, Otsego County officials and community members gathered to cut the ribbon on a new location for a City of Oneonta warming shelter.
This facility will not only give individuals a safe, warm place to spend freezing winter nights, but for the first time, services will be provided to address their long-term needs as well.
The warming shelter was the vision of and continues to enjoy the support of the Caring for the Homeless Coalition; Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties and the Otsego County Department of Social Services (DSS) partnered to open facility, located at 291 Chestnut Street, Oneonta.
“This is our third year operating the warming station, which has had some issues with its location and was in need of a long-term home,” said Christy Houck, executive director of Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties.
The 10-bed warming station is a response to the Executive Order put in place by former Governor Andrew Cuomo requiring safe shelter for individuals whenever the temperature goes below 32 degrees.
It will operate from November 1 through March 31, 2024 and is open from 5:30pm-7:30am.
There are two shifts of two staff each, who are required to stay awake and monitor the individuals staying at the center, which has a three-year lease on the site.
“The warming station offers a vital service to individuals in our community by providing shelter and safety during the long winter months,” said Lisa Winne, Otsego County’s commissioner of Social Services.
“This year, for the first time, we will provide access to case management services,” Ms. Houck said. “It is our hope that we can help some of those who come in to meet their needs, first and foremost for housing and access to food and medical care.”
Safety was a top priority when establishing the facility.
The facility features a fire alarm system and outside lighting and cameras. In addition, the staff is being safety trained in first aid and CPR, how to respond to a mental health crisis, the use of Narcan, when to call EMS and police, de-escalation techniques and working as a team.
Individuals who come to the warming station will have access to a shower, a washer and dryer, which staff will be able to use, along with snacks and drinks.
People are able to visit with each other and the staff, however pets will not be allowed.