Permanent Code Blue Shelter Development

Spoke about the broader crisis of homelessness, substance use recovery, and the lack of sufficient housing and services for families and individuals in the county.

Expressed gratitude to the county board and staff for their due diligence and partnership in advancing the permanent Code Blue shelter project.

Representing the unhoused, he shared his personal experience with homelessness and expressed strong support for the permanent shelter as a win-win for helping people get back to work.

The board president of Shelters of Saratoga spoke about his volunteer experience at current shelter locations and urged support for a secure, respectful permanent facility.

Representing Shelters of Saratoga, she noted that the organization has operated in seven different locations in 12 years and strongly backed the permanent Ballston Ave location.

A Ballston Spa resident and homeowner argued that investing in a permanent shelter is a compassionate, worthy community investment since anyone can face an emergency.

A Code Blue volunteer emphasized that a dedicated space is necessary for staff consistency, care coordination, and public safety.

A volunteer shared his family's involvement with Code Blue and read a statement from co-volunteer Ryan Smith supporting the permanent shelter location.

A former 11-year board member of Shelters of Saratoga expressed excitement that past challenges have finally led to a viable partnership with the county.

An SOS worker and local high school graduate emphasized that housing is a basic human right and highlighted the wealth disparity in Saratoga Springs.

A former county mental health assistant director and Code Blue volunteer of 10 years praised the county for taking the initiative to establish a permanent site.

An SOS board member recalled the tragic 2012 freezing death that sparked Code Blue legislation and urged the board to vote favorably on the facility resolutions.