Rebecca Nelley, Contributing Writer
On Oct. 15, during Oneonta’s Common Council meeting, city officials highlighted the upcoming opening of a warming station on Chestnut Street. A much-needed service for people who need shelter during harsh winter weather. As summer disappears and winter enters, Oneonta is making sure its homeless population has a safe place to go when the temperatures drop.
The Warming Station will operate under the Code Blue rule, which goes into effect when temperatures fall below 32°F, including wind chill, for at least two hours. This gives the city a way to help homeless individuals when conditions outside are dangerous. The Otsego County Department of Social Services (DSS) oversees these alerts, which remain in place until temperatures rise, ensuring that those at risk have access to shelter. Kaytee Lipari Shue, a city council member on the Community Wellness Committee, spoke about the importance of this initiative. “Code Blue is crucial for protecting people from extreme weather,” she said. “This Warming Station is a life-saving service for our community.”
The station can house up to ten adults, providing a warm place for both men and women over eighteen who need a place to stay overnight. If more people arrive than the station can hold, or if a family shows up, the staff will arrange for an overnight stay at a nearby motel. Catholic Charities is once again partnering with the city to run the station, providing a safe and warm environment for those in need. Elayne Mosher Campoli, another council member, praised the effort. “The Warming Station not only gives people shelter, but also a sense of dignity and safety during the coldest months,” she said.
When the station isn’t open, Opportunities for Otsego (OFO) steps in. If someone comes to the OFO Homeless Shelter when it’s too cold to be outside, they will be screened and sent to a hotel for the night if they qualify for help. This ensures that no one is left out in the cold.
This new warming station comes from the dedication of local organizations and volunteers. Catholic Charities and other community partners have helped make this possible. City officials have called on the community to help spread the word so people know where to go when the winter weather arrives. With winter approaching, these preparations are critical to ensuring that no one is left in the cold. The warming station will open on Nov. 1 and will stay open until March 2025. It will operate from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. each night during bad weather.
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