Homeless Outreach and Community Placement Team

The Department of Community Mental Health Homeless Outreach Project was developed to deal with homelessness among people with serious mental health issues. Many people who are admitted to inpatient psychiatric facilities lose their living arrangements or have families who are unwilling or unable to take them back. Often they remain in hospitals longer than need be or become homeless because there is no housing that they are able to afford.

How Does It Work?

Intake and assessment for homeless individuals and families is a centralized process. The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health, in collaboration with the County Departments of Social Services and Health, manages the Single Homeless Assessment Center (SHAC) which conducts an assessment of single homeless clients who have applied to DSS for emergency housing. Each person is evaluated for physical and mental health needs and ability to work.

The Homeless Placement Team reaches out to people with mental illness and people with mental illness who are chemically dependent, in the shelter system. With the cooperation and input of the person, the team develops a housing placement plan. The team helps the individual reach their goals with the assistance of natural and professional supports within the community.

Who Is Eligible?

In order to be eligible for assistance through the Homeless Outreach Project a person must:

reside in the homeless shelter system; or in a place not normally viewed as habitable (i.e. in a car, under a bridge);
be over 18 years old;
be considered seriously mentally ill;
be a Westchester County resident

What Services Are Available?

In addition to housing services, the team will assist participants in using

necessary treatment, recreational, educational and vocational services. The placement team is one part of the Department’s integrated services for people in the homeless shelter system. Housing, respite, peer outreach, follow up, and socialization are all integral components of the program.

What Is Peer Outreach?

Peer outreach is a team of individuals who from personal experience have a unique understanding of issues related to recovery and homelessness. The team will help the individual develop positive social supports within the community.

Does Participation In This Program Compromise An Existing Case Management Relationship?

No. Many persons in shelters have case managers, but the focus has been on keeping people involved in clinical treatment. The Homeless Outreach Project will support existing case management and treatment relationships, focusing on permanent housing and housing supports.

Is There A Cost For The Service?

No. The program is funded through the New York State Office of Mental Heath and operated by the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health.

How To Contact The Homeless Outreach and Community Placement Team:

Westchester County

Department of Community Mental Health

112 East Post Road, 2nd Floor

Whi te Plains, New York 10601

Telephone: (914) 995-5239

Fax: (914) 995-6220