| | | | | | | | From Guest to Guide: Chris' Journey of Resilience and Renewal When Chris first arrived at Shelters of Saratoga in 1999, he was eighteen and newly released from juvenile detention. It was the beginning of a long, full-circle journey with the organization where he is now a valuable staff member. | | | | A Saratoga native, Chris grew up learning the trades early, skipping school at thirteen to work alongside seasoned masons. By his twenties, he owned his own contracting business, mastering painting, drywall, and electrical work. “Everybody deserves to have their castle,” he says. “If your home feels peaceful, you carry less stress into the world.” His work ethic and reliability soon became a trademark across the community. In 2020, after his mother passed away from cancer, Chris’ life took a difficult turn. He retreated into the woods, spending several years living off-grid and working through his grief in solitude. Chris shares, “I know what it’s like to stay outside, to lose things, to start again. Sometimes what people need most is someone who understands that.” | | | | | | | | Importance of Community Support | | | | Our deepest gratitude to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation for the wonderful donation of hundreds of homemade cookies for our shelters. This act of kindness means so much to our community and staff. Special thanks to Eric and Bev Lawson, who beautifully bridge our two organizations. As devoted members of the church, they helped bring this sweet project to life, and as committed board members for Shelters of Saratoga, they ensure the delivery landed right where it was needed most, as a delectable and comforting treat for our guests. Thank you for your layered generosity and care! | | | | | | | | | |  | First and foremost, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to every single person who took the time to vote for Shelters of Saratoga in the Target Circle program. Your support means the world to us. Thanks to you, we have some incredible news to share! Target guests cast an amazing 129,258 votes for Shelters of Saratoga, which has resulted in a generous grant of $2,875.77 for our programs. While these funds are vital, what truly matters is the powerful message behind each vote, a clear vote of confidence in our mission and the impact we strive to make in our community. This support directly fuels our efforts to provide safety, shelter, and a path forward for our neighbors in need. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us build a stronger, more compassionate Saratoga Springs. | | | | | | | | | | | | We are pleased that Olde Bryan Inn is including Shelters of Saratoga in their Cheesecake for Charity program for the next couple of months is in support of Code Blue. They will donate $2.00 from every slice sold to help us with providing shelter for those in need. Olde Bryan Inn is always honored to partner with us because they believe in our mission and that everyone deserves warmth, safety, and dignity especially in the coldest moments. "Grateful for all they do for our community! So, next time you are in for lunch or dinner, go ahead, have the cheesecake...there are no calories in a slice that supports such a great cause!" - Sully, owner of Olde Bryan Inn | | | | | | | | | | Concert for a Cause Winter '25 | | From all of us at Shelters of Saratoga, we are overwhelmed with gratitude to Artisanal Brew Works for hosting the incredible "Concert for a Cause," and to every supporter who filled the venue. To have a community partner organize and present such a successful event on our behalf is both an honor and a tremendous boost to our mission. The funds you all helped raise will have a direct and meaningful impact, allowing us to provide essential shelter, services, and hope to individuals and families in need. Thank you, Artisanal Brew Works, for your leadership and generosity, and thank you to everyone who attended you have made a profound difference in our community. A very special thank you to Rich Clements, who lovingly organizes this event twice a year and to Kurt Borchardt & Colin Quinn, of Artisanal Brew Works for hosting this incredibly generous and joyous event. | | | | | | | | | | We Provide Support through Supportive Housing | | | | What Is Supportive Housing? Supportive Housing is a proven, cost-effective model that combines permanent, affordable housing with voluntary, wrap-around case management services to help individuals and families with complex challenges live stable, independent lives. It is not a temporary shelter or a transitional program. The core principle is "housing first" providing housing as a stable foundation without preconditions (like sobriety or treatment compliance), upon which other services and personal growth are built. | | | | | | | | Permanent, Affordable Housing -
Permanent: Tenants have a lease with the same rights and responsibilities as any other tenant. It is not time-limited. -
Affordable: Rent is typically set at no more than 30% of a tenant's income (which is often fixed and from sources like SSI, SSDI, or pensions). -
Integrated: The housing is integrated within the community, not institutional. Case Management & Voluntary Support Services These are on-site or coordinated services designed to help tenants maintain housing stability, improve their health, and increase self-sufficiency. They are voluntary but highly encouraged. A case manager typically coordinates access to these services. | | | | | | | | | | 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. | | | | | | | | 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. | | | | | | | | | | | | Shelters of Saratoga
PO Box 3089 | Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
(518) 581-1097 | info@sheltersofsaratoga.org | | | | | | | | | | | |
