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Front End Fundraiser for December 2014: Shelters of Saratoga

We are proud to be working with Shelters of Saratoga again this year as our December Front End Fundraiser! Shelters of Saratoga(SOS), through the provision of housing, services, referral, information and advocacy, strives to ensure that those in the greater Saratoga region who are homeless or at risk of homelessness have safe, affordable and secure places to live. When you are at our registers please donate what you can afford.

Services provided to our Community from Shelters of Saratoga:

Homeless Shelter:

SOS provides a safe, sober and structured environment where emergency houseguests can gain independence and stability during a maximum stay of 60 days due to high demand. Individuals seeking assistance from SOS have varying degrees of needs and circumstances. During case management meetings, houseguests are referred to appropriate programs and services (e.g. mental health or drug and alcohol services). Employment seeking assistance is provided.

Outreach Programs:

The SOS Mobile Outreach RV continues to make weekly visits to outlying motels where adults and families are temporarily lodged. We provide them with personal care supplies, food, information and referrals.

Basic survival items, nourishment, and respite from the cold are provided to chronically homeless individuals who are connected with through the outreach unit.

Through a partnership with CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services on their Street Outreach Project grant, SOS is reaching out to runaway, homeless, street and at-risk youth ages 13-21.

Neighborhood Preservation: 

Since 1997 Shelters of Saratoga has been designated by the NYS Department of Housing and Community Renewal as an agency that can revitalize local neighborhoods by assisting low-income citizens of Saratoga Springs with housing rehabilitation and repairs which, if not resolved, might cause the homes to become unsafe or uninhabitable, resulting in homelessness. Each year, the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) competes with similar organizations in other municipalities to secure the federal and state funds needed to undertake such work. More than 100 homeowners have been assisted by these programs to date.

Affordable Housing:

Shelters of  Saratoga owns and manages two properties that contain a total of seven apartments which provide an affordable housing option in downtown Saratoga Springs.

The properties, located at 112 Washington Street and 128 Grand Avenue, promote independent, permanent and safe housing. During a tenant’s occupancy, should they be in need of assistance with transportation, nutritional, medical or financial needs, SOS staff will gladly assist them in arranging for support services.

As vacancies occur, transitional housing “graduates” will be offered the opportunity to occupy these apartments; however, a waiting list is maintained for income eligible individuals as apartments become available.

Please support Shelters of Saratoga this month by donating at our registers! 100% of all proceeds will go directly to SOS.