February 14, 2019 -- Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced today that the County has secured an increase in federal funding for addressing homelessness through the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds, allocated through Westchester County’s Departments of Social Services (DSS), Community Mental Health (DCMH) and other municipal partners, will serve to enhance coordination and access for those lacking housing, ultimately reducing the amount of time individuals and families spend without permanent shelter.
DSS will receive additional funding for three programs – First Steps; RISE; and Coordinated Entry. The increased funds total $916,000, in addition to the annual renewal of HUD housing funds, totaling $14,747,000. For 2019, the total federal funds supporting 14 housing initiatives in Westchester will surpass $15,660,000.
The three expanded DSS programs provide the following:
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First Steps is a program geared towards homeless youth, aged 18 to 24. It allows young people who have become “disconnected” from school, family and work to get a job, combined with receiving whatever services they need to become fully functioning and self-sufficient adults in their own home.
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RISE (Rehousing in Supportive Environments) is a collaborative effort between Westchester County DSS and Caring for the Homeless of Peekskill (CHOP). The Program is to provide eight Transitional and 16 Rapid Rehousing units across Westchester County. It will also include integrated services contracted through a number of local social services agencies, with the goal of providing comprehensive trauma-informed care for victims of domestic violence and their families.
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An expanded Coordinated Entry Program to assess the needs of homeless individuals and families and connect them to rapid re-housing and permanent housing programs.
DCMH oversees the Continuum of Care (CoC) Planning Project, which serves to plan for and coordinate housing for homeless individuals throughout the County. The CoC Partnership for the Homeless links the network of providers, landlords, shelters and drop-in centers, in an effort to ensure access to safe and secure housing for Westchester residents who are experiencing homelessness.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “I am pleased to announce this federal funding for our Departments of Social Services and Community Mental Health, to advance efforts to end homelessness throughout Westchester. This new, critical funding totals nearly $1 million dollars, and Westchester County was also awarded renewals for programs that serve the chronically homeless, youth, individuals with physical, mental health and substance abuse service needs, and those who are victims of domestic violence. Because these grants, some of the most vulnerable people in Westchester County will have a place to live that is safe, affordable and appropriate to their needs.”
Commissioner of DSS Kevin McGuire said: “We welcome and appreciate this opportunity to work with HUD and community partners to expand and build upon our housing best practices for those most in need in our communities.”
Commissioner of DCMH Michael Orth said: “It is imperative that we work together with all our partners to increase access to, and the opportunity for, housing for those who seek it. This additional funding will allow DCMH better coordination in providing shelter to those who lack it.”