Otsego County Warming Stations Open To Help Those In Need
Saying it's cold outside would be an understatement. Today, January 6th through the 8th, we will be experiencing the coldest days of the winter season (so far).
Extreme low temperatures, wind chills, snow, and blowing/drifting snow make for very unpleasant weather conditions. The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Cold Warning from Saturday, January 7th, through Sunday, February 8th, at 1 p.m. for our area.
Read More: Risks Of Not Clearing Snow And Ice From Your Vehicle
Otsego County Code Blue Preparations
According to the Otsego County Board of Representatives, Code Blue is a program that helps individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. Otsego County's Cold Blue program provides shelter for those who are unhoused when the temperature or wind chill falls below 32 degrees.
Catholic Charities operates a warming station, open on Code Blue qualifying nights from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. the next morning. Otsego County notes that if any individuals need overnight accommodations and the warming station is over capacity, they will be given a motel room paid for with Code Blue funding.
Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., unhoused individuals can also seek shelter at Otsego County Buildings located at 197 Main Street in Cooperstown, 140 County Highway 33W in Cooperstown, and 242 Main Street in Oneonta.
According to a notice from the Otsego County announcement, the warming station is extending weekend hours from 5:30 p.m. today, February 6th, to 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, February 10th, remaining open the entire weekend.
The warming station will also be extending weekend hours from 5:30 p.m. Friday, February 13th, to 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, February 17th, remaining open the entire weekend.
Otsego County will continue to have available motel rooms for anyone experiencing homelessness in addition to the warming station.
How Can Otsego County Residents Help?
If you know of an unhoused person who needs shelter this weekend, contact the Otsego County Department of Social Services during normal business hours at 607-547-1700. After hours, call 1-607-547-1697.
If you know of a veteran who needs shelter, contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans anytime, day or night at 1-877-424-3838.
LOOK: Here's What Daily Life Looked Like in the 1970s, One Photo at a Time
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
LOOK: These Color Photos Vividly Capture the Everyday Moments of Life in the ’50s and ’60s
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz