GOSHEN – As the temperatures continue to drop, the need for a safe and warm place to stay becomes even more crucial. That’s why Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus wants to remind residents that we have warming centers to provide shelter, hot meals, and resources for those in need during these cold winter months.
What is a code blue alert? This is designated when the temperature is expected to be 32 degrees or less (including wind chill factor) during the evening hours between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. During a code blue alert, everyone is entitled to a warm and safe location to stay from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. After hour calls will be answered by 311 for Honor, so if someone calls after 5:00 p.m., they will be housed overnight – no restrictions.
“Our priority is to ensure the well-being of our community during these freezing temperatures,” said Neuhaus. “When a code blue alert is in effect, Orange County residents need to take precautions.”
The warming centers are as follows:
Newburgh Warming Station Newburgh Ministry (Hope Safe Haven)
- 13 Bridge Street, Newburgh
- Phone: (845) 563-0713
- Opened Year-round (Adults only)
- Doors close from 9:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- You may enter later with police escort or discharge from the hospital (clients may stay during the day should they choose).
- Breakfast and dinner are served.
Middletown Warming Station
- 8-10 Mulberry Street, Middletown
- Phone: (845) 281-9519
- Doors open from 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Doors are locked at 9:30 p.m.
- First come, first serve. Up to 30 guests, ages 18 and up. No children.
- After 9:30 p.m., guests can go to the police station, and they will bring them over.
- Dinner is served between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. When guests come in, they are served.
- Lights out at 10:00 p.m.
- Guests must leave by 9:00 a.m.
- For the months of November and December we will remain open on Saturdays until 10:30 a.m. and on Sundays until 12:30 p.m.
Port Jervis Warming Station St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
- 31 West Main St, Port Jervis
- Phone: (845) 649-8720 (Daytime)
- Phone: (845) 856-1033 (7:00 p.m. through 11:00 p.m.; Brian, Manager)
- Doors open from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and guests must leave at 7:00 a.m.
- You may enter with Port Jervis Police Department escort after 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
- Can accommodate 15-18 guests.
- Serves hot dinner.
- Shower and some donated clothing are available.
According to Lacey Trimble, Commissioner of Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) and Mental Health, cold weather can be life-threatening for those without shelter.
“Prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures is extremely dangerous for individuals experiencing homelessness,” said Trimble. “We are lucky to have teams of dedicated and caring people at the Department of Social Services, partner agencies, and faith-based organizations that provide support and help to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable residents during these extremely cold temperatures, even after hours.”
“Keep in mind, our senior citizens are at higher risk for hypothermia,” said Neuhaus. I encourage residents to check on their elderly neighbors, friends, and relatives during the cold weather to make sure their heating systems are working, they are keeping warm, and they have supplies and any medicines they need. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call 311.”
For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845.291.2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com.
To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus’ NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.
