While many residents complain about high heating bills, those without homes face a far more dire problem in winter: survival.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has introduced a plan to establish a temporary warming center in Ellenville through a partnership involving the Town of Wawarsing, the Village of Ellenville, and Ellenville Regional Hospital. The facility, intended to operate for the next two months, would primarily be funded by the County.
As outlined in the proposal, the warming center would be housed in the Hunt Memorial Building and managed by Ellenville Regional Hospital. Operations would run nightly from 11pm to 7am, starting after the Village’s existing warming site at the Courthouse in Village Hall closes for the night. The County is expected to contribute nearly $40,000 toward operating costs, with an additional $10,000 proposed from the Town of Wawarsing.
The basement of the Hunt Memorial Building, which was upgraded in 2022 to serve as an emergency shelter, is equipped with beds, showers, and a commercial kitchen, making it well-suited for overnight stays. The facility can accommodate up to 12 guests.
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the Ellenville Village Board held a special session to review the plan and gave it unanimous approval. The next step involves consideration by the Wawarsing Town Board, which will discuss the proposal at its meeting scheduled for tonight at 7pm.
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