Saratoga Cares Card to be distributed throughout downtown Saratoga Springs

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – City of Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim today joined with area business and nonprofit leaders associated with the Saratoga County Alliance to End Homelessness to kick off an effort to distribute Saratoga Cares cards to local downtown businesses.

The Saratoga Cares cards are part of an ongoing effort to end homelessness in Saratoga County. The cards help to inform people as to the best way they can help those in need of food, clothing, housing, and other services in our community by connecting them with the agencies listed on the card. Individuals are encouraged to join the Saratoga Cares movement by distributing the cards to those who ask for assistance.

The cards will be distributed to local businesses by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Discover Saratoga, the Downtown Business Association, the City Center, AIM Services, and the Mayor’s office.

“We’re proud to partner with the Saratoga County Alliance to End Homelessness and the Mayor’s office on this impactful project,” said Todd Shimkus, president, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “We believe the best way to help end homelessness in our community is by connecting individuals with the organizations listed on the Saratoga Cares cards that can provide them with the services and items they need.”

The team kicked off distribution Monday morning downtown at City Hall with Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim.

“I’d like to thank the Saratoga County Alliance to End Homelessness on its continuous efforts to end homelessness in Saratoga County,” said Mayor Kim. “The Saratoga Cares cards will be a valuable resource to provide individuals with the tools and services they need. This is a great example of organizations across the public, private, and impact sector coming together to support a common goal. A big thank you to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and AIM Services for their efforts to support this project by designing and printing the cards.”

The Saratoga County Alliance to End Homelessness is an inclusive collaborative effort committed to ending homelessness in Saratoga County by increasing the level and coordination of housing and support services so that the cycle of homelessness is not perpetuated. The Alliance is currently made up of the following participating agencies: AIM Services; CAPTAIN Community Human Services; CARES of NY, Inc.; Catholic Charities; C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios; LifeWorks Community Action; Mechanicville Area Community Service Center; Mercy House of Saratoga; The Prevention Council; RISE Housing and Support Services; The Salvation Army Saratoga; Saratoga Community Health Center; The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; Saratoga County Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services; Saratoga Springs Office of Planning & Economic Development; Shelters of Saratoga; Southern Adirondack Independent Living; Veterans & Community Housing Coalition, Inc.; and Wellspring.

Lindsey Connors, Associate Executive Director of RISE and Outreach Committee Chair for the Alliance explains, “For some, being approached on the street for assistance can be a difficult situation to navigate. The Saratoga Cares cards make it easy for City residents and visitors to provide those in need with the locations and times they can access various, essential resources from our local service agencies. We are here to help and look forward to the increased awareness the Saratoga Cares cards will bring to our continuum of services.”

“We encourage all downtown Saratoga Springs businesses to consider keeping Saratoga Cares cards on hand for patrons and employees to share with those who might be in need of assistance,” said Shimkus. “We can each do our part to help end homelessness in Saratoga County.”
 
About the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce: Since 1918, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has been opening doors and closing deals for businesses throughout the Saratoga County community. Guided by a strong and sustainable vision, the Chamber leads the way in maintaining and strengthening a healthy business climate, initiating constructive community action, and creating a community where all can thrive.

About the Saratoga County Alliance to End Homelessness: The Saratoga County Alliance to End Homelessness (a subset of the Saratoga-North Country Continuum of Care) is an inclusive collaborative effort committed to ending homelessness in Saratoga County by increasing the level and coordination of housing and support services so that the cycle of homelessness is not perpetuated. The Alliance encourages participation by state, county and local government, community leaders, non-profit organizations, housing developers, service providers, and persons with a lived experience of homelessness. www.endhomelessnesssaratoga.org
 
 
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