Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus reminds residents that both the County Department of Social Services and municipally operated warming centers are available during the winter months.
All centers are scheduled to open later this month and will adhere to the COVID-19 safety protocols and guidelines that are in place.
“We want all of our residents to remain safe and warm throughout the winter months,” Neuhaus said. “I urge anyone who needs shelter to take advantage of these warming centers. We appreciate all the facilities that open their doors to help the less fortunate in our community. Their unwavering support of our most vulnerable is so necessary and important.”
Senior citizens are at higher risk for hypothermia than other adults. Residents should check on their elderly neighbors, friends and relatives during the cold weather to make sure their heating systems are working, they are keeping warm and they have supplies and any medicines they need. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please visit the County’s Housing Resource Center from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 280 Broadway in Newburgh, or call Helping Others Needing Our Resources (HONOR), Orange County’s contracted homeless provider, for assistance at 343-7115. HONOR is open 24 hours a day.
“The commitment from our community to ensure that our citizens have a warm place to rest is admirable,” Orange County Commissioner of Mental Health and Social Services Darcie Miller said. “The Department of Social Services is available to assist those that are eligible for services by calling 291-4000 during business hours. Our partner agencies and faith-based organizations provide after hours support and help us to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable.”
Several municipalities in Orange County will provide warming centers and outreach for those in need. Those locations include, but are not limited to:
- Greater Middletown Interfaith Council Warming Station, located at Temple Sinai at 75 Highland Avenue (back entrance): Scheduled to open on Sunday, November 22nd; Hours of operation are 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Any guests that arrive after 9:30 p.m. must be accompanied by police or ambulance. Maximum capacity is 30 guests.
- Tri-State Interfaith Council Port Jervis Warming Station, located at St. Peter’s Church on 31 West Main Street: Scheduled to open on Sunday, November 15th; Hours of operation are 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Newburgh Warming Station, located at Newburgh Ministry on 9 Johnston Street: Scheduled to open on Sunday, November 15th; Hours of operation are 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Maximum capacity is 16 guests.
###