| | Ivan’s Story: Beginning Again “I feel like I’m just starting to begin again.” That’s how Ivan describes this moment in his life. A client of Shelters of Saratoga over the past few years, Ivan speaks openly about a past shaped by instability, resilience, and hard-earned perspective. As a teenager, he describes himself as a “quintessential rebel.” Home was not a safe place—marked by an abusive father and daily chaos—so he left. Still in high school, he began running away to New York City, choosing the uncertainty of the streets over the pain he knew at home. “I just wanted to escape,” he says. |
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| Read Ivan's full story on our blog. |
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| | | Announcement: 2026 Hope Honorees
Peg and Tony Mangano Shelters of Saratoga's Hope Award is given each year at One Fine Day and recognizes community members for outstanding contributions to the betterment of residents' lives. |
|  | Peg and Tony Mangano have dedicated decades of service to the Saratoga Springs community, particularly to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Married for 58 years, their shared commitment to compassion and community care has left a lasting impact on Shelters of Saratoga (SOS). Tony’s involvement with SOS began in 1991 during a time not unlike today, when Saratoga Springs faced a critical gap in safe winter shelter. A small group of concerned citizens came together to open the city’s first winter shelter for eight men on Congress Street. Tony played a key role in these early efforts and remained deeply involved as the organization evolved. |
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| | | Movie Screening and Discussion: No Place to Grow Old
Saratoga Springs Public Library
May 14, 2026
6-7:30 pm |
|  | American adults are aging into homelessness at unprecedented rates. Older adults (55+) are the fastest growing population entering homelessness across the country. Their numbers are on pace to triple by 2030. Join us for a meaningful evening at the Saratoga Springs Public Library featuring a free screening of the documentary No Place to Grow Old, followed by a panel discussion. This powerful film sheds light on homelessness in America, sharing real stories that challenge assumptions and inspire action. After the screening, stay for a thoughtful conversation with panelists who will explore the issues raised in the film and discuss ways our community can respond. Free admission
Thursday, May 14, 2026 / 6:00-7:30pm / Location: Dutcher Community Room 👉 Learn more and register |
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| | In the Community:
Saratoga Springs Public Library Volunteer Fair |
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| |  | Front desk volunteer Carol Reynolds talked with attendees about the role she plays at our Emergency Shelter. |
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Shelters of Saratoga was proud to participate in the Saratoga Springs Public Library Volunteer Fair at the Saratoga Springs Public Library on April 18 from 12:00–2:00 PM. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with community members, meet new faces, and share more about the work we do every day to support individuals experiencing homelessness in Saratoga. Events like this remind us how strong and compassionate this community truly is. 👉 Interested in getting involved?
We would love to hear from you. Please reach out to learn more about current volunteer opportunities and how you can make a direct impact. |
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| | Denim Day Our team stood in solidarity with our partner agency, Wellspring Saratoga for Denim Day. A day meant to bring awareness about sexual violence and challenges victim-blaming. Survivors of sexual abuse deserve respect, not blame—and clothing is never an excuse for assault. We’re grateful for the work that Wellspring does to support our community. |
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 | Several staff members at SOS joined in solidarity for Denim Day, April 29, 2026 |
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| | Feature: Outreach Program |
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| After Code Blue closes each spring, Shelters of Saratoga (SOS) continues year-round outreach to support individuals experiencing homelessness, with a focus on connecting people to shelter, treatment, and long-term housing. Through weekly food distribution and regular outreach visits, staff provide essentials while building trust and linking individuals to services like Emergency Shelter, Health Home care, and clinical support. In 2026, SOS expanded these efforts through New York’s Medicaid 1115 Waiver Social Care Network (SCN) program, which allows funding for housing-related health needs. This enhances case management and provides short-term rental and utility assistance, moving costs, and other supports to help individuals transition to stable housing. |
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 | SOS team member Allison kindly providing supplies. |
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| | | Code Blue 2025-26 Meal Donors & Volunteers Season after season, our community shows up in a big way to ensure the nutritional needs of our guests at Code Blue are met. From our restaurant partners to faith-based and civic organizations and the dedicated and compassionate volunteers who lovingly serve dinner each night. These community connections are invaluable to our guests. This season we served over 12,000 meals to 261 individuals who stayed with us throughout the winter. We're grateful for this longtime support of our community.
Please support the organizations that support us. |
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| | | Challenging Perceptions: Who Needs Code Blue Staff member, Maddy Fitzgerald has been helping guide guests at our Code Blue shelter for the past four years. In our latest video, Maddy shares how her perception has changed since taking on this meaningful work.
Hear directly from Maddy on our YouTube channel. |
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| | | |  | Our pantry is running low on much-needed supplies. We'd be so grateful if you are able to help us restock our shelves! Add a few extras to your shopping list, if able. - Shampoo
- Body wash
- Deodorant
- Dishwashing liquid
- All purpose cleaner
- Salad dressings
- Mayonnaise, ketchup
- Bbq sauce
- Seasonings for cooking
- Coffee and sugar
Donation Location
14 Walworth Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
7 days a week, 7 am-7pm We are so grateful for your support! |
| | Emergency Shelter Book Club |
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| Our Emergency Shelter has launched its very own Book Club, and what started as a small idea has quickly grown into a meaningful space for connection, reflection, and conversation. With around 10 regular participants, the group is already becoming a powerful part of our community. Our first read, Open Throat by Henry Hoke sparked thoughtful discussions around identity, climate change, and the loneliness of urban life—topics that resonate deeply with many of the individuals we serve. We are currently reading Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. Thank you, Saratoga Springs Public Library for supporting our guests in this endeavor. |
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| Thank you for reading our May newsletter.
If you are ever interested in touring our shelters or learning more about our programs please connect with us: [email protected] or reply to this email. |
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| Shelters of Saratoga
PO Box 3089 | Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
(518) 581-1097 | [email protected] |
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