REQUEST FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Description (e.g., Contract Authorization for Information Services):
title
Authorization to Renew Code Blue Safe Haven Shelter Contract between Social Services and IPH
body
Date: 09/30/2026
Department: Social Services
Attending Meeting: Erin Stachewicz, Commissioner
Submitted By: Maggie Skarlis
Title: Contract Administrator
Phone: 518-447-7583
CONTRACT TERMS/CONDITIONS:
Party Names and Addresses:
IPH (formerly Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless)
176 Sheridan Ave.
Albany, NY 12206
Term: (Start/end date or duration) 11/1/2026-4/30/2027
Amount/Raise Schedule/Fee: $578,482
BUDGET INFORMATION:
Is there a Fiscal Impact: YES
Anticipated in Budget: YES
Spreadsheet attached: NO
Source of Funding - (Percentages)
Federal: Enter text. County: Enter text.
State: 100% Local: Enter text.
County Budget Accounts:
Revenue Account and Line: A6010.03610
Revenue Amount: $578,482
Appropriation Account and Line: A6010.44046
Appropriation Amount: $578,482
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Mandated Program/Service: YES
If Mandated, Cite Authority: 18 NYCRR 304.1
Request for Bids / Proposals:
Competitive Bidding Exempt: YES
# of Response(s): Enter text.
# of MWBE: Enter text.
# of Veteran Business: Enter text.
Bond Resolution No.: Enter text.
Apprenticeship Program Choose an item.
Previous requests for Identical or Similar Action:
Resolution/Law Number and Date: 25-429
DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST: (state briefly why legislative action is requested)
IPH operates the low-barrier Safe Haven Shelter located at 26 South Swan Street in Albany, NY during Code Blue months (November through April) for adults experiencing homelessness who would otherwise be residing on the street, in abandoned buildings, or other locations not meant for human habitation.
Safe Haven provides overnight shelter, hot meals, and access to free laundry services, showers, clothing and hygiene items, as well as case management services. The Shelter is open every night from 4:30pm-8:30am and is staffed by a Shelter Lead, three direct support staff, and a case manager during the evenings, and a Shelter Lead and three direct support staff on overnight shifts. During extreme weather, Safe Haven remains open around the clock as there are few to no other options people can go to use a bathroom or stay warm. A metal detector is positioned at the front entrance of the shelter, and staff are trained in wanding techniques to check bags and other belongings for weapons and prohibited items, helping to ensure safety.
The Shelter serves an average of 45 individuals each night (maximum based on NYS OTDA spacing regulations) and served a total of 434 different individuals during the 2025-2026 Code Blue season - an increase of more than 46% during the year’s Code Blue season. Individuals served by Safe Haven face a range of barriers in successfully accessing traditional shelters, including active substance use disorders, untreated mental illness, behavioral challenges, shelter sanctions, and a general mistrust of providers. Safe Haven provides a safe, supportive and flexible alternative to ensure the most vulnerable members of the community are protected during the coldest months of the year.