RISE would like to thank the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church of Saratoga Springs (PNECC) for their donation of $20,000 to RISE Housing and Support Services in support of the City of Saratoga Springs Community Outreach Court (formerly known as the Homeless Court), closing the funding gap for 2021.
In the fall of 2020, the Saratoga Springs Mayor’s Office, Community Development Department, the Honorable Francine Vero (City Court Judge), and RISE Housing and Support Services worked together to create the program, assisting individuals who are experiencing homelessness and charged with non-violent offenses. PNECC’s support has ensured that RISE can continue to aid participants in reaching self-sufficiency and successful community reintegration by treating the behavior and conditions that gave rise to the criminal behavior.
The RISE Community Outreach Court Coordinators are present for each court session, and work with participants outside of the courtroom – representing a single, and familiar point of contact and providing an opportunity to develop a trusting relationship. The program is the first of its kind in Saratoga County, and has proven highly successful since its inception. Of the 38 individuals who have participated thus far:
- 81% have remained in compliance with their court orders.
- 71% have remained arrest and conviction free.
- 58% have refrained from substance use.
The balance of 2021 program costs are funded by CARES Act grant funding via Saratoga County, and a contribution made by the City of Saratoga Springs. This generous contribution is just one example of PNECC’s dedication to supporting people experiencing homelessness in Saratoga.
For over 30 years, PNECC and LifeWorks (formerly EOC) have provided a daily meal in the church fellowship hall. The church also helped found the original Code Blue shelter and continues to support Shelters of Saratoga (SOS) by providing meals for Code Blue throughout the winter. In early 2020, PNECC funded a consultant with expertise in building collaboratives to end homelessness to our community – resulting in the formation of the Saratoga Collaborative to End Homelessness (now the Saratoga County Alliance to End Homelessness).
If you would like to support this important work in our community in the new year, please visit the Get Involved Page of the RISE Website.