Hudson Valley officials are trying to encourage the local homeless population to accept offers of shelter this weekend ahead of the dangerous snow and cold, but that is proving to be difficult.

Lee, of Poughkeepsie, is either sheltering in the basement of a trap house this weekend or roughing it outside.

He says he has no plans to go to a shelter or warming center, even though Dutchess County has issued a Code Blue alert, meaning social workers will immediately provide shelter for anyone who requests it.

Lee is relying on his tools.

"I have a digging tool if I need to get in a foxhole," he said, sorting through several tools in his pocket. "Like if you need to get in a foxhole, like if snow comes."

Caramia Bacchiochi, a formerly homeless recovering addict and advocate for the homeless community, says she understands why some people decline shelter. The reasons, she said, include safety concerns, lack of trust, mental illness and addiction.

Bacchiochi said all she can do is be a friend, provide free meals and hope.

"I control what I can control," she said. "People get to choose what they want to do. We can support them in it, or we can shame them. Why would I shame someone who chooses to do something that maybe I wouldn't do? It's not my business."

Poughkeepsie city officials said Friday that the police are going to be visiting the usual hangouts to try to convince people to go to shelters. Police can take someone to the hospital if the person is at risk of dying or overdosing, but they cannot simply force people into shelters.

Staff at the Salvation Army on Pershing Avenue said they are "not completely surprised" that many are declining offers of shelter.

Salvation Army envoy Lydia Mills said that though there is a case manager at the center ready to arrange shelter, it is not such a simple process.

"We've had instances where we've offered services and people are just now ready," Mills said. "The important part is to be available and ready when they're ready and we'll be able to facilitate the next step for them."

Lee said he will manage fine.

"It's like survival," he said, "but at least I'm alive."

Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers said Friday she is helping arrange overnight accommodations at local churches, adding that anyone who wants shelter this weekend should call 211 or go to the police station to request shelter in person.