Saratoga Springs Panel Discusses Homelessness Amid Shelter Closure Concerns

SARATOGAS SPRINGS – With the impending closure of the city’s 24-hour homeless shelter due to funding shortages, local leaders are grappling with the challenge of addressing the needs of an increasing homeless population. A panel discussion held at the Saratoga Springs Public Library aimed to educate the public and build consensus on this pressing issue.

The event, organized by Indivisible ADK/Saratoga’s Finding Common Ground committee and moderated by Linda McKenney of the League of Women Voters, featured five panelists: Broadway business owner Heidi West, Community Outreach Court Judge Francine Vero, Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Coll, Lindsey Gonzalez, co-chair of the Saratoga-North Country Continuum of Care, and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus. Each panelist shared their perspectives on managing the county’s homeless population, which is estimated to be around 360 people.

The discussion highlighted the closure of RISE Housing and Support Services, a year-round shelter that has been operational for three years. Despite its success, the shelter is set to close because the City Council voted last fall to withdraw funding. Lindsey Gonzalez emphasized that the shelter’s closure is not due to its failure but rather a lack of sustainable funding. “The shelter isn’t closing because it failed,” Gonzalez stated. “It’s quite the opposite. We see the model works … The challenge is whether we want to provide sustainable funding for services that benefit the entire county.”

Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Coll noted that the city, which contributed approximately $500,000 annually to RISE, does not have the financial resources to continue supporting the shelter. Gonzalez expressed gratitude for the city’s past support but voiced concern over the county’s significant unmet need for a year-round emergency shelter. “Existing resources are insufficient to meet the need,” she said.

As the community faces this challenge, the discussion underscored the importance of finding sustainable solutions to support vulnerable neighbors. In line with the biblical call to care for the least among us, as reflected in Matthew 25:35, the community is urged to consider compassionate and just responses to homelessness.

Source: Read the original report