MONTICELLO — The Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless in Monticello will hold their inaugural “Coldest Night of the Year” walk on February 22. The event highlights the needs of the local homeless population, especially as winter weather continues to sting the area.

“There is a housing shortage [in Sullivan County] and a lot of folks are in a stuation where they don’t have a roof over their head,” explained Kathy Kreiter, Director of the Federation. “We have a warming center which gives these people a place to get out of the cold.”

She hopes that by people coming out to the event, those individuals will connect with the thought that they have a place to go home to afterwards.

“At the heart of what we do are those folks [who don’t have that place],” stated Kreiter, who described the challenge of homelessness as “many-pronged”.

Participants to the event can expect the event to start at The Alder at Resorts World Catskills at 4 p.m. with opening remarks, followed by the two-kilometer-long walk to the Funky Hippy Chic Boutique and back. 

Attendees can also join a team to walk alongside. As of presstime, Kreiter confirmed that there is currently 8 to 10 teams. There is no limit to the number of people that can be on a team.

If attendees cannot walk, they can join the Federation Team and make a donation.

“Just come out and be with us,” encouraged Kreiter. “Enjoy the camaraderie – that would be awesome.”

The best way to donate is to go on the Coldest Night of the Year website, https://cnoy.com/location/monticello. Individuals can be on the team by simply donating, and even if they’re not in the area either, that is acceptable as well.

“[Community involvement] is everything. People see homelessness without really realizing what they can do [to help]. I hope people realize that right here in Sullivan County they can make a difference,” explained Kreiter. “We are all serving the same folks in one way or another and we are doing the best we can and need your help.”

To help, the Federation can be contacted at 845-794-2604. Kreiter highlighted that there are many volunteer opportunities as well such as serving food.

For the future, she is looking forward capitalizing from this year’s event and growing from there. She also hopes  the event can continue for a long time.

She is thankful to Resorts World Catskills and Angela Rein for their assistance in making this event happen, such as mapping the route and finding a place to hold the walk.

What services does the Federation offer?

Kreiter alludes to the challenges that homeless people might face around this time of year such as frostbite from being out in the cold for so long.

“Many folks become homeless for many reasons. We may not realize what it’s really like out there,” stated Kreiter. “There’s so many good folks out there and so many organizations out there serving our neighbors and friends serving those that need the assistance.”

She also referenced how those who don’t have regular access to a washer or dryer that could come to the warming center looking for dry socks or a jacket.

“Without all that, they are fending for themselves. We also have a food pantry serving breakfast and lunch. We’re all in this together making things better.”

The Federation holds many events throughout the year, such as a gala in the fall, that celebrates the folks who support them throughout the year. They are always looking for volunteers and always happy to take a dontion.

Checks in support of the event and the center can be mailed to the Federation for the Homeless at P.O. Box 336, Monticello, NY 12701.