HATAS founded the Code Blue program within Albany County in 2010. Code Blue Albany (CBA) is a humanitarian assistance program designed to prevent unsheltered homeless individuals from experiencing threats to life and health from exposure to severe winter weather.

HATAS team members call the Code Blue alert and, in coordination with multiple partners, ensure that homeless persons on the street have access to a safe place to shelter during times of extreme weather. In partnership with CDTA and a local cab company, HATAS also ensures that homeless people needing shelter are safely transported to their destination. While organized by HATAS, Code Blue Albany is a partnership of providers, with each partner dedicated to ensuring that everyone has a safe place to sleep.

Fast Facts About Code Blue Albany

Code Blue protocols are active whenever the temperature is 32 degrees or less, including wind chill.

Albany-area shelters provide shelter to hundreds of homeless persons nightly. In addition to shelter, homeless individuals and families are fed and clothed.

Routine agency eligibility determinations, screenings, and requirements are suspended or amended to remove any perceived barriers to accepting emergency shelter.

Several adults served by Code Blue Albany permanently left the streets and were connected to long-term housing solutions.

Agency Partners

  • Albany County Coalition on Homelessness

  • Albany County Department of Mental Health

  • Albany County Department of Social Services

  • Albany Fire Department

  • Albany Outreach Van

  • Albany Police Department

  • Albany Public Library

  • Capital Area Council of Churches Emergency Overflow Homeless Shelter

  • Capital City Rescue Mission

  • Capital District Transportation Authority

  • CARES of NY, Inc.

  • Catholic Charities Housing Office

  • City of Albany

  • Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (IPH)

  • St. Anne Institute Youth Shelter

  • Veterans Administration Homeless Outreach Team