Monticello, NY – As the 2025–2026 winter season comes to a close, Sullivan County is recognizing the extraordinary efforts of the community partners, staff, and volunteers who made this year’s warming centers a critical source of refuge and support for residents experiencing homelessness during some of the coldest months of the year.
From November 21, 2025 through March 31, 2026, Sullivan County’s two warming centers — United Methodist Church in Liberty and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Monticello — saw 25-30 people every night, equating to 2,787 individual overnight stays. Operating primarily from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., the warming centers provided guests with a safe place to escape dangerously low temperatures, rest, and receive food and resources. During two different winter storms, the centers stayed open 24 hours a day.
“This winter was especially brutal, with extended periods of extremely low temperatures and consistently high attendance at both centers,” said Sullivan County Health & Human Services Commissioner John Liddle. “Despite the harsh conditions and growing need, our warming center staff remained steadfast in their commitment. Their compassion and dedication never wavered, and their presence made a meaningful difference in the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable residents.”
The final night to utilize the warming centers is April 15th, with both closing at 8 a.m. April 16th.
Sullivan County extends its sincere gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who made this season possible, including Kathy Kreiter of the Federation for the Homeless for coordinating staffing for the Monticello location; Wendy Brown, for her leadership and support at St. John’s Episcopal Church; Pam Winters, for her continued commitment to the Liberty location; and the many warming center staff members and volunteers whose tireless efforts ensured the centers remained open and welcoming throughout the winter season.
