Unanimously Approved by Village, Proposal Now Goes before Town Board

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has proposed a partnership with the Town of Wawarsing, Village of Ellenville, and Ellenville Regional Hospital to stand up a warming center at the Hunt Memorial Building in Ellenville for the next two months, with the County funding the majority of the cost of services. 

Under the proposal, Ellenville Regional Hospital would operate the warming center seven days a week, beginning at 11 PM, when the Village's warming center in the Courthouse at Village Hall closes, and continuing through 7 AM. The County would provide most of the funding (close to $40,000), with a proposed contribution of $10,000 from the Town of Wawarsing. 

The basement of the Hunt Building was renovated to serve as an emergency shelter in 2022, with beds, showers, and a commercial kitchen, and is well-suited to serve as a warming center. The shelter can accommodate up to 12 overnight guests.

The Ellenville Village Board convened a special meeting on Wednesday, February 5, to consider the proposal and unanimously approved it. The proposal now goes before the Wawarsing Town Board at its regular meeting this evening at 7 pm. 

A copy of the County Executive’s letter is attached to this release.