POUGHKEEPSIE – Friday’s weather brought cooler temperatures, wind, and rain to the Poughkeepsie area. Temperatures dropped below freezing during the overnight hours, forcing many of the city’s homeless population to seek shelter from the elements in a number of locations.
The bus stop shelters were one option were being used by several men and women seeking to avoid the cold rain and uncomfortable wind. At one point, all five bus shelters at the Dutchess County Transit Hub on Market Street were occupied by those in need.
Several others sought refuge in the City of Poughkeepsie Financial Plaza parking deck, next to the transit hub. One man seeking shelter from the elements expressed his disappointment in his predicament. “I didn’t want to be homeless but here I am,” said the man who asked to remain anonymous. “There’s no place for any of us to go tonight, this weather is just raw, and there’s no organized shelter available.”
On Saturday morning, a woman tried to use the Hudson Valley Credit Union ATM next to the transit hub but was turned away. Ms. Adams told the Mid-Hudson News reporter that she was frightened. “I went to open the door to the ATM lobby and there were five people sleeping on the floor. I was afraid that if I went in to get money, my safety would be at risk. Fortunately, there are other ATMs in the area.”
