MONTICELLO- As winter releases its grip on Sullivan County, the doors of the county’s warming centers are set to close, marking the end of a season defined by bitterly cold temperatures.
From late November through the final days of March, the warming centers at the United Methodist Church in Liberty and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Monticello became nightly havens for dozens of residents with nowhere else to go. As temperatures plunged and snowstorms swept through the region, each evening warm meals were served along with a safe, warm place to rest throughout the night.
On average, 25 to 30 people passed through those doors each evening. By season’s end, that added up to 2,787 overnight stays.
This winter, however, was no ordinary one. “It was especially brutal,” said Sullivan County Health & Human Services Commissioner John Liddle, reflecting on months marked by relentless low temperatures and rising need.
Behind the scenes, a network of dedicated individuals kept everything running. Kathy Kreiter, the director of the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless, coordinated staffing for the Monticello site. Wendy Brown provided steady leadership at St. John’s and in Liberty, Pam Winters remained a constant presence. Behind these super-volunteers were many others who dedicated their time to staff the centers throughout the season.
The final night of operation will be April 15, with doors closing the following morning.
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