CARMEL – Winter months are difficult for man and beast alike especially for those with no roof over their heads. Unfortunately, even in a community as affluent as Putnam County, there are people who have nowhere to seek shelter during the coldest nights of the winter.
Thanks to the Brewster Emergency Shelter Partnership those who need a warm place to sleep and a meal during the coldest winter months are cared for. The shelter program will be opening for the season on Monday, December 3.
The partnership — Putnam’s only shelter program — is supported by volunteers from congregations of all faiths.
Judy Callahan, chairwoman of the partnership’s Board of Directors, says “anyone in need of shelter should meet daily at 8:45p.m. in front of 52 Main Street in downtown Brewster where they will be met by the shelter’s supervisor who will provide instructions.”
Callahan forecast the shelter will be operational for the entire season through the end of April.
The initiative began 13 years ago after the bodies of several homeless people were found frozen in the woods off Routes 6 and 22 in Brewster.
Two years ago, a homeless man was found frozen to death in a wooded area in the village.
Churches teamed up with the Putnam Community Action Program and with the assistance of the Department of Social Services, Putnam Health Department and the American Red Cross, the shelter partnership was created.
Callahan thanked the community for “reaching out to help the Brewster Emergency Shelter Partnership help the homeless.”
Additional information or questions related to the partnership may be directed to besp10509@gmail.com.
Middletown, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie and Monticello and other communities around the region also establish warming and overnight shelters for the homeless during the winter months.
Two no-hitters pitched at Brewster High School
April 20, 2024
