Ulster County is expanding access to overnight shelter as the region heads into the winter season, with the Kingston Warming Center set to open earlier and operate around the clock during the coldest months.

County Executive Jen Metzger says the Kingston center will begin nightly operations October 1, two months earlier than its 24-hour winter schedule. From October 1 through November 30, the center will be open every night from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m., regardless of temperature.

Beginning December 1, the Kingston Warming Center will move to continuous, 24-hour operations through March 31, 2027.

“Expanding warming center hours is essential to keeping our most vulnerable residents safe,” Metzger said. She said the earlier opening is being piloted this year, with the county evaluating whether to expand services further.

The Kingston Warming Center is located at 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church at 80 Elmendorf Street. The county also operates a warming center in Ellenville at the Hunt Memorial Building, 124 Canal Street. More information about the Ellenville center will be released by the county.

Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said the warming center has become an important resource for people at risk during the winter months and praised the county’s nonprofit partner for managing the program.

The Kingston center can be reached at 845-334-0551. The Family of Woodstock Hotline is available at 845-338-2370.

Law enforcement and partner agencies can also transport people directly to a warming center.