CMH Donates 1,000 pairs of socks for Warming Center

David R. Rossetti, Chief Executive Officer for MHACG, accepts donations with CMH Staff: Laurie Harbeck, Vice President, Operations and Quality; Brian Stewart, Program Director, Psychiatric Services; Kathleen Hagen, Nurse Manager, Psychiatric Services; and Crystal Dollar, CMH Foundation Development and Community Outreach Coordinator.

Columbia Memorial Health (CMH) recently donated 1,000 pairs of slip-on socks to MHA of Columbia Greene (MHACG) to distribute at the Warming Center we're currently operating for the community. This donation is part of CMH's ongoing commitment to supporting local initiatives and addressing critical needs of the community.

These essential items not only provide physical warmth to individuals seeking refuge at the center during the winter months, but they also convey a message of hope, reinforcing the community’s dedication to care for one another. The partnership between CMH and MHACG exemplifies how collaborative efforts can create meaningful change and improve the well-being of those in need!

The Blanche Hotaling Memorial Mission, also known as the Warming Center, officially opened November 1, 2024, following a Grand Opening ceremony held on October 17th. The Warming Center is a collaborative effort of the Columbia County Department of Social Services to house people during the cold weather months under New York State's Code Blue.

The Warming Center is located at the First Reformed Church at 52 Green Street in Hudson and is open to anyone in need every night from 6 pm - 7 am, with a capacity of approximately 30 people. MHACG provides staff and support to ensure the community is not only provided a warm shelter to sleep during these chilly winter months, but also actively seeking to provide resources for these clinets in need.

Corona Thompson of Blue Agape Beauty delivers donations of toys for Adopt-a-Family and clothing for the Warming Center with Roxane Carpenter, Chief of Community Based Services, & Paul Taylor, Chief Development & Communications Officer

CMH isn't the only business making an impact for the Warming Center needs. Amidst our annual Adopt-A-Family holiday donation program, Corona Thompson, owner of the new Blue Agape Beauty Salon in Hudson, collected not only toys for the families in need, but bags full of coats and warm clothes provided to the Warming Center this year.

These generous donations were made possible as a collaborative effort with Eutierria Wellness Family Medicine and LumberJack Athletics, making lasting memories for numerous people in need this holiday season.

The number of people in Columbia County classified as homeless has been increasing in recent years. The number of individuals the Department of Social Services recorded lodging while it worked with them to find permanent stable housing rose from 97 in July 2022, to 124 in July 2023, and 151 in July 2024. The Warming Center provides critical support for these individuals facing homelessness and housing instability.