Warming Center Opens For Season As Arctic Weather Looms

NEW CITY, NY — The imminent arrival of freezing temperatures doesn't mean there won't be a warm, safe place in Rockland County for everyone.

Beginning November 1, Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland will once again be operating the Rockland County Warming Center for the homeless at the Dr. Robert L. Yeager Health Center in Pomona, County Executive Ed Day and Commissioner of Social Services Joan Silvestri announced on Friday. The warming center will cater to single adults, while the Rockland County Department of Social Services will continue to run the current Emergency Family Shelter for children and families.

“The causes of homelessness are complex, and our Warming Center will continue to help the most vulnerable people in our County remain safe while also helping to connect them to services they need like immunizations, mental health screenings and permanent housing options," Day explained in a statement announcing the reopening. "Providing a warm and safe place for persons during this pandemic is a priority in protecting the health of individuals and our community at-large.”

While the warming center is located in Pomona, free transportation will be provided to make the facility accessible to anyone in need in Rockland County.

The Warming Center will operate from November through the end of April. The Center will open each night regardless of the temperature and remain open during the day when the temperature, including wind chill, is 32 degrees or below.

"In order to be in compliance with COVID protocols, we have modified the facility and established safety practices to ensure adherence to NYSDOH COVID-19 safety guidelines," Silvestri said. "All staff and guests will be appropriately screened (including temperature checks), wear masks and practice social distancing. Appropriate PPE has been secured and will be made available to staff and guests."

The Center offers showers and laundry facilities. Dinner and breakfast are provided for overnight guests and lunch is served during the day when the center is open during dangerous weather. There is security on-site when the Warming Center open.

The locations where individuals can be picked up for transportation to the center and the pickup times are listed below:

• Nyack - 4:25 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. South Broadway and Burd Street (in front of the First Reformed Church of Nyack)
• Haverstraw - 5:00 p.m. & 6:20 p.m. Village of Haverstraw Commuter parking lot (across from Village Hall)
• Spring Valley - 5:30 p.m. & 7:05 p.m. Spring Valley Parking lot west of Key Bank on Route 59 by Planet Fitness
• Pomona - Department of Social Services 5:00 p.m. at 50 Sanatorium Road (at the bus shelter Monday-Friday only)