WARSAW, NY (WKBW) — Oak Orchard Health is working to open a warming center in Wyoming County.
The center aims to provide resources and shelter for those in need, as homelessness increased in Wyoming County by 21% from 2023. It's essential with temperatures expected to drop below freezing next week.
"It's so important that this gets open sooner rather than later because it's so cold out," said Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health.
Officials have some pushback about the center and Oak Orchard Health is now required to fill out additional paperwork, which could take up to two months to review.
I reached out to Wyoming County Board of Supervisors Chair Rebecca Ryan, she said 'no comment'.
"People have their own biases against what homelessness is, and they don't understand that it's not the typical person living underneath the bridge all the time," said Julie Carasone, warming center manager for Oak Orchard Health.
New York State Assemblyman David DiPietro supports the center, especially after he and his wife took in a young man. Years later, Assemblyman DiPietro is still in touch with him.
"When people are down, give them a helping hand," said Assemblyman DiPietro. "That's what this place does, and I'm proud to be a part of it."
You can learn more about Oak Orchard online here.
