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Columbia County considers warming shelter for homeless
Jammel Cutler reports for Columbia-Greene Media that on Oct. 25 the Columbia County Board of Supervisors Finance Committee unanimously agreed to make the First Reformed Church of Hudson a warming shelter for the homeless on cold winter days. The full Board of Supervisors are expected to vote on the issue on Nov. 8. Board of Supervisors Chair Matt Murell said, “I hope it works out. this is the first time we’re trying it.... People can come out of the cold and get a warm meal and possibly have a place to stay for the night. It can house up to 10 to 15 per bunk, and it will be an alternative for our homeless population.” Social Services Commissioner Robert Gibson said the warming shelter would open during Code Blue declarations, when it is extremely cold. Gibson said, “The Code Blue population won’t come in or apply, or they have some issues in the past.... Maybe they’re under a sanction from one of the state agencies. They’re usually suffering from a multitude of issues. We’re probably looking at somewhere between 10 and 15 people that will be housed using Code Blue funding.” Gibson said the program will cost between $190,000 to $200,000, and he hopes the program can start at the beginning of 2024. Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.