Sullivan County Moves Forward with Letter of Intent for Potential Homeless Shelter Purchase

Sullivan County is taking its first step toward establishing a homeless shelter, marking a significant development in the region’s efforts to address housing insecurity. After years of advocacy and discussion, the county legislature has authorized a letter of intent to potentially purchase the former St. Peter’s School building in Monticello. The building, appraised at $85,000, is being considered for conversion into a shelter that could serve up to 40 individuals or 20 families.

The county has partnered with HONOR, a housing nonprofit that operates a shelter in Orange County, to manage the facility. This collaboration reflects a growing recognition of the need for structured support systems for those experiencing homelessness. The project is still in its early stages, with the letter of intent not constituting a legally binding agreement.

Monticello Deputy Mayor John Barbarite expressed concerns about the county’s approach to social service projects, noting a pattern of moving forward without consulting local officials. He highlighted previous instances where initiatives such as rehab centers and group homes were pursued without prior village input, arguing that Monticello bears the long-term consequences of such decisions.

Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek addressed these concerns, emphasizing that the county has consistently engaged with village officials. He pointed out that a previous proposal for transitional housing behind St. Peter’s Church was rejected by the village, leading to discussions about the former school building instead. Potosek argued that Monticello, as the county seat, is well-suited to host social service programs due to its concentration of agencies and residents in need.

Sullivan County remains the only county in the Catskills and Mid-Hudson Valley without a homeless shelter. Neighboring counties such as Delaware, Orange, and Ulster have established emergency housing shelters, underscoring the urgency of this initiative. The county initially planned to apply for state funding in 2025 but was forced to halt the process due to the exhaustion of available funds.

Once the letter of intent is signed, a due diligence period will commence. This phase will involve assessing the building, finalizing a design, and ensuring all necessary preparations are in place before proceeding with the purchase. As Dan Hust, the county’s Communications Director, noted, this process requires careful attention to detail and thorough planning.

The proposed shelter aligns with the broader mission of caring for vulnerable neighbors, a principle echoed in Scripture. Proverbs 31:8-9 calls for advocating for the oppressed, reminding communities of their responsibility to protect and uplift those in need. As Sullivan County moves forward with this initiative, it reflects a commitment to justice, mercy, and the well-being of all residents.

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