Warming Centers Throughout the Hudson Valley Extend Their Hours

With the Arctic Blast not giving up its frosty grip on the Hudson Valley, anyone without shelter in these temperatures could face a life or death situation. In response to the frigid conditions, counties throughout the Hudson Valley are offering warming centers to their residents.

If you live in Ulster County and you or someone you know is homeless, or you find yourself in a desperate situation this week, head to Ulster County's Warming Center, hosted by the Clinton Avenue United Methodist Church.

According to Ulster County Executive Mike Hein, the center will be open 24-hours a day through this Thursday, January 4.  They will not only offer warmth but a hot evening meal and breakfast. Folks from the American Red Cross will staff the center and any homeless adult, 18 years or older, is welcome to come in and take shelter from the cold. The Family of Woodstock also will provide resources for those in need. If you need additional help, please call 845-679-2485.

For those in Sullivan County,  the warming centers are located in Monticello at the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center, 5 Jefferson Street and in Liberty at the United Methodist Church, 170 North Main Street and will remain open until at least noon on Monday, January 8.

Everyone is welcome to come into either of these centers to warm up. These facilities will remain open overnight as well. Should you find yourself in a fuel emergency, please reach out to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This program can provide funds for fuel and heating system repair/replacement and help in emergency heating situations. For more information, call 845-807-0142.

For Orange County residents, there are several warming centers throughout the county that remain open during the winter months. You can find them at these locations: HONOR, 38 Seward Avenue in Middletown, call 845-343-7115; Newburgh Ministry, 104 S. Lander Street in Newburgh, call 845-561-4365; Port Jervis Warming Center at St Peter’s Lutheran Church on 31 West Main St in Port Jervis, call 845-856-1033; Middletown Warming Station at St. Paul’s Church on 58 Main Street (entrance on Mulberry Street) in Middletown; and St. Anne’s Church/Chapel of Sacred Heart, 151 Stage Road in Monroe, call 845-782-8510, ext. 225

According to Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus, you can also visit the County's Housing Resource Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., located at 280 Broadway in Newburgh, or call Helping Others Needing Our Resources (HONOR), at 343-7115. HONOR is open 24 hours a day.

While Dutchess County doesn't have any warming centers for its residents, according to hudsonvalleypost.com, Dutchess County operates under a Code Blue Plan. If anyone finds themselves in a desperate situation, please call the Dutchess Helpline at 845-485-9700.

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