At RISE, we believe in the power of community, and thanks to the support of Sonny Bonacio ( Bonacio Construction CEO) and Julie Bonacio (Bonacio Construction President, and Owner of Julie & Co. Realty), we have been able to make a lasting impact.
In June 2023, as discussions began on RISE’s therapeutic community center project, HOMEBASE, RISE was introduced to the Bonacios. At that time, there was much discussion about the high number of individuals experiencing street-homelessness in Saratoga Springs and Sonny and Julie Bonacio expressed their desire to help. Within a week, they had secured a site for the 24/7 low-barrier homeless shelter on Adelphi Street. Since it’s opening, the Bonacios have continued to provide monthly financial support enabling the continued operation of the Adelphi Street Shelter.
At the Giving Hearts Day luncheon where he, Julie, and Meg Kelly were recognized for their exceptional support of the shelter, Sonny recounted that he would look out his office window and think, “What can we do to fix this?” as he saw the dozens of individuals living on the street. As a result of the Bonacio’s investment in our community, shelter guests have a safe place to sleep at night, three meals per day, shower and laundry facilities, and a welcoming place to “just be” while they work on next steps for their life. Care Management services are offered, which has enabled many guests to move onto permanent, stable housing.
Victoria Furfaro, RISE Outreach & Advocacy Director, who over oversees the operations of the Adelphi Street Shelter recalled through tears of joy, “Opening the shelter will be the one of the greatest accomplishments of my entire life. I believe everyone in this room has a mission on this Earth- to make life even a little better for those in our community who have not had the same opportunities, support, or encouragement as the rest of us. The shelter is a shining example of how to make life better for people who need help the most, and it would not have been possible without Sonny and Julie. I cannot thank them enough for their compassion and dedication to our community.”
Construction on RISE’s HOMEBASE project is underway, with $200,000 in financial support donated by Sonny and Julie Bonacio, and the construction management services of Bonacio Construction. The low-barrier, therapeutic community center will serve our City’s most vulnerable by combatting isolation and providing semi-structured therapeutic opportunities for people to develop skill sets and a natural support system. Homebase will be located at RISE’s headquarters following the building expansion.
The Bonacio’s commitment to our community has made an incredible impact. Thank you for your steadfast partnership, Julie and Sonny Bonacio!