As the cold weather begins to move in, an Albany initiative is taking steps to ensure that homeless people have a warm place to stay this winter.
The Homeless Code Blue Program begins November 15th: officials are seeking public support. Liz Hitt is Executive Director of the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society: "Anytime the temperature drops to ten degrees or less, including the wind chill, we make sure that anyone living on the street has a safe and warm place to stay for the night."
A fundraiser is being held Saturday at Crossgates Mall from 10am to 4pm in front of the Burlington Coat Factory.
"Last year 1,449 beds were provided to street homeless people here within Albany County." Hitt adds 100% of every $1 raised will support the Homeless Code Blue Program.
The Homeless and Travelers Aid Society is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit working to end homelessness, helping people meet their immediate need for shelter, food and clothing while working in partnership with them to secure affordable housing and employment.
Located at 138 Central Avenue Albany, NY 12206, HATAS is committed to ending homelessness through holistic wrap-around services which seek to address the multiple causes of homelessness.
