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Saratoga Springs
Every year, Shelters of Saratoga embarks on a search for a Code Blue shelter for the city’s homeless. That often frustrating pursuit will come to an end thanks to Ed and Lisa Mitzen, who have agreed to fund building a permanent emergency winter shelter.
“This is incredible,” said Michael Finocchi, executive director of the Shelters of Saratoga, which manages the Code Blue haven. “Year after year, we have to find somewhere for people to go when it’s 32 degrees or below. And it always seems that a monkey wrench is thrown into the works. Some places can only do certain days or some can only do days and not nights. But we need a place that is open seven days a week with space for 40 or so people.”
The shelter also needs a full kitchen, showers and a dining room. The new two-story building, that will be erected by Bonacio Construction, will have all of that and more. Finocchi anticipates that the new locale, at 14 Walworth St., will also have a laundry room and pantry area for donated food and clothing. Finocchi said the building, that will stand between its current shelter sites, will also have a case manager and act as a drop-in center during the day.
“It is our belief that having Code Blue in close proximity to the case managed shelters maximizes the opportunity for Shelters of Saratoga to provide the full continuum of homeless services to the individuals we serve,” said Finocchi. “This project will allow us to more easily connect homeless individuals with the support services they need, including case management, mental health counseling, and alcohol and drug rehabilitation. Our ultimate goal is to get them stable and housed.”
LA Group will assist in the design and Bonacio will break ground in the spring. The new Code Blue shelter should be ready to open by November. At this point, the cost of the venture is unknown. Finocchi will have to raise additional funds for operational costs and staffing. The Mitzens, owners of Fingerpaint Marketing, regularly volunteer at the Code Blue shelter.
“We have seen firsthand the challenges of the prior buildings and feel a new facility built for Code Blue would allow for better care of the guests. We are truly so thrilled to be able to help the community in this way,” Lisa Mitzen said.
For the past few years, the shelter has had temporary residence at St. Peter’s Parish Center, the Salvation Army building and the Soul Saving Station Church in downtown Saratoga Springs. Since November 2016, Code Blue has been open 79 nights and 15 days. The program relies heavily on the over 200 volunteers to help staff both day and evening shifts. Volunteers assist with such tasks as meal preparation, set up and clean up.
“Our family feels incredibly blessed to be able to help others,” said Ed Mitzen. “We recognize that Code Blue has been a community effort, and it is our belief that this new building will further the care of the homeless in our area. We hope that the city government comes together and expedites all the proper zoning and approval requirements, so we can get the shelter built quickly and efficiently.”
wliberatore@timesunion.com • 518-454-5445 • @wendyliberatore
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