Orange County opens warming center in Port Jervis

Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus issued a reminder to residents that both the County Department of Social Services and municipally operated warming centers are available during the winter months.

“We want all of our residents to remain safe and warm throughout the winter months,” Neuhaus said. “I urge anyone who needs shelter to take advantage of these warming centers. We appreciate all the facilities that open their doors to help the less fortunate in our community. Their unwavering support of our most vulnerable is so necessary and important.”

Several municipalities in Orange County will provide warming centers and outreach for those in need. Those locations include, but are not limited to:

Port Jervis Warming Station, located at 31 West Main Street. Phone: 845-649-8720 (day) or 845-856-1033 (evening).

Middletown Warming Station, located at 8-10 Mulberry Street. Phone: 845-281-9519.

Newburgh Warming Station, located at Newburgh Ministry on 13 Bridge Street. Open year-round; phone: 845-563-0713.

The county noted that senior citizens are at higher risk for hypothermia than other adults and implored 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, visit the County’s Housing Resource Center (HRC) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 141 Broadway in Newburgh, or call Helping Others Needing Our Resources (HONOR), Orange County’s contracted homeless provider, for assistance at 845-343-7115. HONOR, located in Middletown, and open 24 hours a day.

There is also an HRC location at 18 Seward Avenue in Middletown. In addition to HONOR, residents can call the Orange County Crisis Call Center at 311 or 1-800-832-1200. The Orange County Crisis Call Center is available to individuals who have substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, and/or mental illness and their loved ones.

“The commitment from our community to ensure that our citizens have a warm place to rest is admirable,” Orange County Commissioner of Mental Health and Social Services Darcie Miller said. “The Department of Social Services is available to assist those that are eligible for services by calling [845] 291-4000 during business hours. Our partner agencies and faith-based organizations provide after-hours support and help us to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable.”