|  | | | From Resident to Role Model:
Sondrah’s Journey at Shelters of Saratoga |
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| Just over a year ago, Sondrah found herself at Shelters of Saratoga as a resident, navigating Code Blue and the painful realities of homelessness. She had lost her house, her car, her job — and with them, the stability she once had. Today, she walks through the Emergency Shelter doors not as a guest, but as a staff member helping others rebuild their lives. “This opportunity kind of found me,” Sondrah says. “My case manager reached out and asked if I’d be interested in working here. I interviewed, applied — and here I am.” |
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| Her journey is a full-circle moment. After the loss of both parents and the disconnection from family, Sondrah faced immense instability. “At one point, I had everything — a car, a steady job, independence. By age 32, I had lost it all,” she reflects. “I didn’t have family nearby. Being here and having that support system made all the difference. Now I get to be that support for others.” Whether she’s cleaning, cooking, helping a guest get an ID, or simply offering a listening ear, Sondrah brings a unique and relatable energy to her role. “Because of my history, I understand what our guests are going through. And for them, it helps to see someone who’s been in their shoes.” She credits staff her former case manager with helping her regain her footing — from completing housing applications to getting her driver’s license reinstated. “They believed in me. That positive energy made a huge impact,” she says. “Now I can pass that on.” Though new to Saratoga, Sondrah says she’s finally found a rhythm — and a bit of peace. “When you’re homeless, you’re in survival mode. Everything is overwhelming. It’s hard to think past the next day. Now I can breathe. I’m stable. I’m not just surviving anymore — I’m living.” Looking ahead, she hopes this role is just the beginning. “My main goal has always been to help people,” she says. “Maybe this is my foot in the door for something even bigger.” |
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| | Welcome Peter Hopper, New Board President |
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| We are pleased to welcome Peter Hopper as the new President of our Board of Directors. Peter was recently elected to the role, succeeding Kathy McNeice, who completed her two-year term in May. We are grateful for Kathy’s leadership and service, and we look forward to the next chapter under Peter’s guidance. “Peter brings a personal perspective to our mission, as well as valuable professional expertise to our board and our organization."
Executive Director Duane Vaughn |
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| Peter joined our board in 2022 and has since played an active role, serving on the development committee, strategic planning committee, and currently chairing the program committee. He brings with him a wealth of experience in marketing and communications, having retired in 2022 from his role as Director of Marketing and Communications at Saratoga Hospital and, prior to that, as Vice President of Integrated Client Services at Palio Communications. “I learned early on after joining the board that it is truly a humbling experience to work with Duane and his team and be a part of the great work they do,” said Hopper. “It’s pretty easy to want to be a part of working to help others find some stability in their lives.” We are excited for the insight and leadership Peter brings to the role and look forward to his continued contributions to our mission. |
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| | Renovation Update: 14 Walworth Street |
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| Emergency Shelter Renovation Nearing Completion. Significant progress continues at our Emergency Shelter, with anticipated completion by the end of the month. Crews have been hard at work — kitchen cabinets, sheetrock, taping and painting are well underway, alongside continued progress on electrical and plumbing systems. We’re thrilled to see the transformation take shape and grow more excited each day as we move closer to reopening the space and welcoming those in need. Stay tuned for more updates as we near the finish line! A special thank you to everyone who worked on the project, including you, our contributors, the NYS Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA), DAASNY, Olsen Architects, and Munter Enterprises. This project would not be possible without your support! |
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|  | View of exterior through reception window |
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 | View looking down 1st floor hall |
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| | | A Place to Grow on Ballston Avenue |
| Our nine supportive housing units on Ballston Avenue in Saratoga Springs are more than just affordable apartments—they’re a fresh start. For people who’ve experienced chronic homelessness and are living with ongoing health conditions, these homes offer stability, wellness, and hope. This project is part of our Supportive Housing Program, which focuses on getting people into safe, stable housing first—without barriers—so they can start rebuilding their lives. From there, support is always available. Residents can connect with health and care services when they’re ready, and in ways that work best for them. We’ve also put care into creating a space that feels good to live in. The driveway and parking areas were recently repaved, and the gardens planted this spring are already producing fresh veggies—used in the weekly shared dinners that bring people together. Each person has their own apartment and lives independently, but there’s a real sense of home here. Inside and out, the energy is warm and welcoming. Because when things grow—whether it’s a garden, a community, or a fresh start—that’s home. |
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| | | | A heartfelt shout-out to Rich Clements and Friends and Artisanal Brew Works for their continued support of Shelters of Saratoga! ~ Two days, two concert events
~ $1,700 raised Your generosity helps bring hope, dignity, and vital support to our neighbors in need. Thank you for using your talents and platform to make a meaningful difference in our community! |
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| | | We’re deeply grateful to Broadview Federal Credit Union for their annual Summer Essentials Giving. Through their Giving For Good program, Broadview members and employees donated bath towels, t-shirts, socks, can openers, bike locks, hygiene supplies, and sunscreen—bringing comfort, safety, and dignity to those we serve. “We invest in people because we love our community, but many neighbors struggle to access the basics. Broadview members and employees are making a difference by Giving for Good!”
—Broadview Federal Credit Union “I donate to Giving for Good because a little goes such a long way. Giving for Good supports causes that matter to me and has the volunteers to deliver.”
—Broadview Member “It is humbling and rewarding to serve people from all walks of life who are going through difficult times. I love having the opportunity to meet the people and learn about their lives and challenges.”
—Broadview Employee 100% of all Giving for Good dollars directly support causes in the regions Broadview serves. Thanks to this generosity, over 12,000 blankets and clothing items were delivered to homeless shelters during Code Blue—bringing warmth and relief when it's needed most. We are continually inspired by the compassion and commitment of Broadview’s members and employees who give their time, talent, and resources. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in our community. |
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| | | How You Can Help -
Become a Monthly Donor |
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| There are many ways to give—and every one makes a difference.
One of the most powerful ways to support Shelters of Saratoga is through a monthly donation. It’s simple to set up, fits easily into most budgets, and provides steady, reliable support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community. Your monthly gift helps ensure ongoing access to shelter, essentials, and care all year long. |
| | | How You Can Help -
Donate Essential Supplies |
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| Our Emergency Shelters are currently in urgent need of essential items, including hygiene products, household and kitchen supplies, and cleaning products. Cleaning Supplies
Floor Cleaner (fabulouso, Lysol, Mr. Clean etc)
All purpose spray cleaners
Windex Household products
Plastic wrap
Aluminum foil
Gallon Zip Lock Bags
Paper Towels
Garbage bags (55 or 13 gallon) Hygiene supplies
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash
Dishwashing liquid or pods
Dish sponges Kitchen
Coffee
Sugar
Bottled water Drop-off donations at 20 Walworth Street, Saratoga Springs Your generosity helps us provide a safe, clean, and supportive environment for those who need it most. Thank you for being part of our community of care! We all appreciate you! |
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| | | Homelessness and trust are deeply connected.
Past trauma, systemic failures, and negative experiences often leave individuals without trust in institutions or others—creating a major barrier to accepting help. Without trust, even well-meaning support can feel unsafe or impersonal. That’s why building trust isn’t optional—it’s essential. It lays the groundwork for connection, care, and lasting change. How we help:
Our Outreach Program meets people where they are—on the streets or in temporary lodging—providing food, essentials, and a consistent presence. By showing up with compassion and respect, we build trust, foster connection, and help link individuals to services that support stability and healing. |
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PO Box 3089 | Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
(518) 581-1097 | info@sheltersofsaratoga.org |
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