Warming Centers Opening for the Season

Monticello, NY - Sullivan County will be opening its two warming centers this Friday, November 22, in Liberty and Monticello:

• United Methodist Church, 170 North Main Street, Liberty
• St. John's Episcopal Church, 15 St. John Street, Monticello

These facilities will remain open to anyone from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. every night through mid-April 2025.

"While last winter was relatively mild, we continue to have significant usage of both shelters," noted Sullivan County Health & Human Services Commissioner John Liddle. "The shortage of affordable and supportive housing inventory in the County continues to increase the number of people who utilize the warming centers during the colder months."

Warming centers in Sullivan County exist to protect unsheltered individuals from the cold of the winter. Staff are experienced and trained in working with people who have complex and severe service needs. These locations offer people more than a place to sleep, and human service providers from across the County chip in to help those in need gain access to medical care and other social service benefits.

Warming centers also give the vulnerable a place where they can feel safe. The Liberty warming center is directly across the street from the Village of Liberty police station, and once again the Monticello warming center will provide onsite security.

Deputy Social Services Commissioner Giselle Steketee added, "We're very fortunate to have such strong community partners. The teams at the United Methodist Church and the Federation for the Homeless have been exceptionally reliable and supportive."