Jadus, former guest who is now housed.

Jadus' Story
From Survival to Renewal

Before coming to Shelters of Saratoga, Jadus had already endured more than most, including a history of abuse. “It’s been very traumatic,” she says. “I have a lot of PTSD from childhood and my twenties. Being open about what I’ve been through helps me heal.”

Jadus courageously shares her story to inspire others on their journey. Your generosity makes it possible for Jadus and those we serve to find hope, healing, and a path beyond homelessness.

 

Nancy Pitts in Congress Park

Remembering Nancy Pitts, Opening of Code Blue

Twelve years ago, on a biting winter day, our city suffered a loss that would forever change its conscience. Nancy Pitts, a 54-year-old former teacher and mother of two, froze to death on the steps of the Saratoga Senior Center. Her death was not just a statistic; it was a profound, preventable human tragedy that laid bare the gaps in our safety net. At the time, Saratoga Springs had just 33 sober shelter beds on Walworth Street—a number starkly insufficient for the hidden population struggling with homelessness, addiction, and despair.

PROGRAM FEATURE

Code Blue Low Barrier Winter Shelter

❄️ Saving Lives One Neighbor at a Time ❄️ 

Each winter, compassion keeps hope alive.

For 12 years, we’ve opened our doors — and our hearts — to ensure no one faces the cold alone. At Shelters of Saratoga, our Code Blue program provides:

🏠 A warm, safe place to sleep

🍲 A hot evening meal

💙 One-on-one support and guidance, including connections to health services and housing opportunities

These services do more than meet immediate needs—they protect lives, prevent illness, and provide guidance for taking steps toward stability and wellbeing.

Helping to solve homelessness one person at a time.

COLLABORATIVE SERVICES

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Veterans Stand Down Day

We were grateful to take part in the recent Veterans Resource & Community Networking Event, which provided meaningful support for Shelters of Saratoga guests who have served, as well as other local veterans. Held last month at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge, the event brought together veterans, service providers, and community members in one accessible place. Attendees received free, practical services — including haircuts, medical and dental screenings, benefits assistance, food, clothing, toiletries, housing support, and financial help. For guests working toward stability, it offered a welcoming, low-barrier way to meet supportive partners, address immediate needs, and strengthen community connections. We are truly grateful for this support.

Organizers and participants of the event.

 

Volunteers assist participants with services at the event. 

 
 

COMMUNITY SUPPORT 

We were grateful to be included in Skidmore Cares, a long-standing tradition that brings the Skidmore College community together each year to support local agencies. This year was especially meaningful as Skidmore Cares celebrated 20 years of generosity and community impact.

Donations benefited Shelters of Saratoga and many partner organizations across the region. We were thankful to President Marc Conner, Barbara Conner, and the faculty, retirees, and students who made this effort possible.

"Skidmore Cares furthers our connection to the greater Saratoga community and brings us together in the season of giving thanks. The need among our neighbors remains significant, and Skidmore Cares provides a wonderful opportunity to offer our support and generosity."  
-
Marc C. Conner, President, Skidmore College

A few of the many boxes of food donated by students and faculty of Skidmore College.

 

From L-R: Shelters of Saratoga staff: Stephanie Romeo, Mary Feldman, Rosemary Royce, and Bread Basket Staff: Amber Cummins, General Manager and Chase Jones, Deli Manager

Bread Basket Bakery

From all of us at Shelters of Saratoga, we are profoundly moved and incredibly grateful for this generous $10,000 donation from the Bread Basket Bakery. 

This impactful gift means more than you know. It directly translates into warm beds, nutritious meals, case management, and critical support for our neighbors experiencing homelessness in our community. Because of partners like the Bread Basket Bakery, we can continue to provide not just shelter, but a pathway to hope, stability, and a safe place to call home.

We are especially touched that, when given the opportunity to direct this donation to any organization, the employees came together and chose to support our mission. That thoughtful, collective decision speaks volumes about the team’s character and deep care for this community.

The commitment Bread Basket Bakery has made to donating profits reflects a truly inspiring model of community partnership. When there is a need, it is met with action, and that is the very essence of how change happens. Thanks to Bread Basket Bakery for believing in our mission and for turning your success into a lifeline for others.

 

Ethan shown here with his mom has been collecting socks for SOS in honor of his birthday for the past 10 years.

10th Annual Socktober Donation
 

We’re celebrating another amazing Socktober, all thanks to our friend Ethan.

2025 marks Ethan’s 10th year hosting a birthday sock drive. He has turned his special day into comfort and care for so many others. This year Ethan surpassed all previous collections with 1,312 pairs of socks collected and donated, a new personal record! 

Happy Birthday, Ethan! Thank you for your huge heart, your generosity, and for showing up year after year. You’re making a real difference. 💙

 

EVENTS

Save the Date - Concert for a Cause Winter '25
December 27, 5-9 pm
December 28, 1-6 pm

Rich Clements performs at a past Concert for a Cause event.

Mark your calendars for two unforgettable evenings of music at Artisanal Brew Works!

The Rich Clements and Friends Benefit for Shelters of Saratoga will feature thoughtful performances, delicious craft beer, and the warm spirit of giving, all in support of Shelters of Saratoga.

Gather your friends, enjoy the music, and make a difference this holiday season.

Artisanal Brew Works

617 Maple Ave. Suite D,

Saratoga Springs, NY.

Phone: (518) 306-4344

 
 

Target Circle Community Giving - Reminder

VOTE FOR US!  THERE IS STILL TIME!
Once again, we are sharing the opportunity to participate in a special charitable giving campaign sponsored by Target!

Now through December 31st, you can help us receive a portion of Target’s donation by voting for us through the Target Circle program.

Every vote matters and helps support our mission to transform the lives of our neighbors facing homelessness with supportive services, safe shelter, and a path to independence. As you earn more votes, you can keep voting multiple times during the campaign!

Thank you for your support—please share and spread the word, and don’t forget to thank Target on social media!

Step 1: Choose ‘My Target’ in the Target app or ‘Account’ on Target.com

Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’

Step 3: Find us & vote

 

Myths Hurt.  Facts Help.

Replacing misinformation with truth, compassion,
and data-driven solutions. 

We've teamed up with area agency members of the Saratoga North Country Continuum of Care (SNC523) to launch an educational campaign to combat common myths we hear about those facing homelessness.

Follow our socials to make a difference.

https://www.facebook.com/SheltersofSaratoga/

Addiction is rarely the root cause of homelessness — it’s more often a symptom of deeper systemic failures. The annual point-in-time count even relies on individuals to self-report any substance use connected to their experience of homelessness, which can limit accuracy. Overall, economic instability and the lack of affordable housing are far more significant drivers of homelessness than substance use.

Housing heals. Support saves. Judgment hurts. Let’s change the story.

Join us and make a difference.

 www.snc523.org

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Our work would not be possible without the generosity of volunteers. From welcoming guests at the Emergency Shelter to providing support during Code Blue, volunteers are the heart of our mission. They offer more than time—they provide compassion, dignity, and connection for neighbors experiencing homelessness.

We invite you to get involved:

  • Emergency Shelter: Help create a safe, supportive environment year-round.

  • Code Blue: Sign up to be part of our seasonal response team as the cold weather arrives.

Your involvement ensures that every guest feels seen, supported, and cared for. Together, we can make a direct and lasting difference in people’s lives.

 

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Shelters of Saratoga
PO Box 3089  | Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
(518) 581-1097 | info@sheltersofsaratoga.org

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