Clubhouse opens as RISE’s 24-7 low-barrier shelter prepares to close

RISE Housing and Support Services has launched a new community space called Homebase Clubhouse in Saratoga Springs, offering adults with mental health challenges a place to connect, access resources, and build life skills. The opening coincides with the impending closure of RISE’s 24-7 low-barrier shelter, which is set to close in less than two months.

The Homebase Clubhouse, located on Union Street, marks the first of seven new clubhouse programs opening in New York state through the Office of Mental Health. Congressman Paul Tonko, who represents New York’s 21st District, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating it provides an opportunity for the community to address the human needs of many.

The clubhouse is funded in part by a $6.3 million grant announced by Governor Kathy Hochul in July, with nearly $1 million allocated to RISE. RISE Executive Director Sybill Newell described the clubhouse model as a “third place” for individuals who may feel isolated, offering a safe and welcoming environment.

Members of the clubhouse can access a range of services, including nutritious meals, social support, and employment and life-skill training. The space also includes rooms for job interviews, computer access, and decompression areas. Newell expects approximately 60 people to use the clubhouse’s resources daily.

The closure of RISE’s 24-7 low-barrier shelter has raised concerns about the impact on individuals experiencing homelessness. While the clubhouse is not an overnight shelter, it aims to provide ongoing support and resources to those in need. The transition highlights the importance of addressing both immediate and long-term needs within the community.

As the community navigates these changes, the focus remains on creating spaces that reflect care for vulnerable neighbors. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, emphasizing the call to advocate for the marginalized. The opening of the Homebase Clubhouse and the closure of the shelter underscore the ongoing need for compassion, policy support, and community engagement.

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