MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County has opened its two warming centers starting Friday, November 21, in Liberty and Monticello. The locations are:

• United Methodist Church, 170 North Main Street, Liberty
• St. John’s Episcopal Church, 15 St. John Street, Monticello

These facilities will remain open to anyone from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. every night through mid-April 2026.

“Despite our cold, sometimes snowy winters, having a warm, safe place to stay is not a universal experience here,” noted Sullivan County Health & Human Services Commissioner John Liddle. “The shortage of affordable and supportive housing inventory in the County, the increasing costs of living and unexpected challenges continue to drive people to our warming centers. We welcome anyone who needs a place to stay for the night to come to either of these locations.”

Warming centers in Sullivan County exist to protect unsheltered individuals from the cold of the winter. Staff are experienced and trained in working with people who have complex and severe service needs.

“These locations offer people more than a place to sleep, and human service providers from across the County chip in to help those in need gain access to medical care and other social service benefits,” explained District 5 Legislator Cat Scott, chair of the Legislature’s Health & Human Services Committee. “Warming centers also give the vulnerable a place where they can feel safe. The Liberty warming center is directly across the street from the Village of Liberty police station, and once again the Monticello warming center will provide onsite security.”

Deputy Social Services Commissioner Giselle Steketee added, “We’re very fortunate to have such strong community partners. The teams at the United Methodist Church. St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Federation for the Homeless have been exceptionally reliable and supportive.”