New York State Announces Opening of 40 Units of Emergency and Supportive Housing in Saratoga Springs

Ballston Avenue Supportive Housing and Emergency Shelter Expansion Includes the Construction and Rehabilitation of 31 units of Emergency Housing and Creates 9 Units of Supportive Housing in the City of Saratoga Springs

Supplements New York State's Ongoing Efforts to Address Homelessness and Expand Permanent Supportive Housing Opportunities Across the State

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced the opening of Shelters of Saratoga's new supportive housing on Ballston Avenue and an emergency shelter expansion in the City of Saratoga Springs. The $5.2 million project received $4.3 million from OTDA's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and involved the major rehabilitation and expansion of two existing emergency homeless shelters in Saratoga Springs and the renovation of a former motel to create new permanent supportive housing units for single adults who have experienced homelessness.

"It's important that communities have a range of housing types to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness," New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. "The completion of the work on these two sites provides Saratoga with vital emergency and permanent housing options and support services for individuals who have experienced homelessness as they work to stabilize their lives, remain housed, and prosper in the community. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her longstanding support of the homeless housing and services programs administered by our agency and to Shelters of Saratoga and all the partners who supported the development of this important community project."

Developed and operated by Shelters of Saratoga (SOS), the project included the renovation and expansion of SOS's Walworth Street Emergency Shelters, which added 8 additional beds to now offer 31 individuals facing homelessness with temporary shelter and supportive services. The project also involved the purchase and renovation of the former Spa Motel, located on Ballston Avenue, to create 9 units of permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

Additional capital funding for the Ballston Avenue project includes funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank, Shelters of Saratoga, Broadview Community Banks, and a U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant.

Operating funding for the supportive apartments is being provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative administered by OTDA. SOS also receives funding for shelter operations at the Walworth Street site from the New York State Solutions to End Homelessness Program (STEHP) through OTDA.

SOS has over 30 years of experience serving individuals facing chronic homelessness and complex needs. Since launching a winter shelter in 1992, SOS has expanded to provide year-round emergency shelter, supportive housing, and care management. Today, SOS serves approximately 400 adults annually through a 75-bed Code Blue winter shelter, a 31-bed year-round shelter, a 16-unit supportive housing program, and intensive community-based case management through the New York State Health Home program.

SOS programs integrate housing with supportive services focused on clinical health, mental health, substance use recovery, financial stability, and life skills. SOS coordinates care with local providers and offers onsite and community-based services that promote long-term stability and independence.

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner said, "These additional units of emergency and supportive housing fill critical gaps in housing in Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County. For many years, Shelters of Saratoga has been a leader in the effort to reduce homelessness and get people into stable housing, and with these projects they continue to expand the resources available to address the problem. I am grateful to the staff and board of directors of Shelters of Saratoga for their work to expand the availability of emergency and supportive housing. And, I thank Governor Hochul for her focus on and investment in housing units throughout the state."

City of Saratoga Springs Mayor John F. Safford said, "As Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs, I am very pleased to welcome the addition of 40 new units of supportive housing for our City. Shelters of Saratoga has been an outstanding partner in addressing and helping many individuals with their journey back from homelessness. The City wholeheartedly endorses these new additions to the committed and valuable work of Shelter of Saratoga."

Shelters of Saratoga Executive Director Duane Vaughn said, "This ribbon cutting marks a major milestone to provide shelter, safety, and support for people facing homelessness in our community. These expanded facilities will allow us to better meet the urgent needs of our neighbors-individuals and families who live among us, who may be struggling through no fault of their own, and who deserve the same dignity, compassion, and opportunities as anyone else. By supporting them, we're strengthening the entire community and offering a real path to stable housing and long-term self-sufficiency."

The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) is an important component of Governor Hochul's five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. In addition to playing a central role in the development and preservation of permanent supportive housing in New York State, HHAP provides capital funding that is vital to constructing, rehabilitating, and repairing emergency shelters.