On Wednesday of this week (8/9/2023), the office of Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil put forth a plan of action to address homelessness in the Hudson Valley.

The press release stated that the county was following input from local stakeholders in taking next steps it said was an “evidence-based approach.” Also mentioned was a focus on the establishment of a permanent emergency housing facility, while the temporary one will be created in Dutchess County Jail. According to the press release: “The County’s approach includes comprehensive wrap-around services to help people move from homelessness to independence as quickly as possible.” Read more about those services here.

The following action steps were outlined in the press release:

• New County Shelter Director Position For Hire
  Recruitment is underway for a new county Shelter Director position to oversee emergency shelter operations and accompanying wrap-around services, including contracted service oversight.
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• Day To Day Management Of Facility For Hire
  A Request for Expressions of Interest from qualified organizations to manage the day-to-day operations of the Emergency Housing Facility will be issued in the coming weeks.
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• Dutchess County Jail Construction For Shelter
  Construction design is about to begin for the temporary location for the emergency shelter operations at Dutchess County Jail once it is vacated. The current PODS have reached end of useful life and need to be removed for completion of the Dutchess County Justice & Transition Center project (DCJTC). Where did the PODS come from? From the press release: “Temporary housing units (PODS) were installed at the current jail site in May 2015 as a provisional solution to the costly practice of housing out inmates to other counties, due to overcrowding at the jail. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PODS, which were no longer being utilized for inmate housing due to bail reform, were converted temporary emergency housing facility to provide safe haven for the homeless. The PODS have continued to be utilized as the number of homeless individuals has grown significantly since prior to the pandemic. However, the PODS have reached the end of their useful life, and ongoing wear and tear have required increasing maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the PODS must be removed for the completion of the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center (DCJTC), necessitating an interim facility for the shelter.”
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• $15 Million Grant Sought
  The County is applying for $15 million in New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance (HHAP) grant funding to establish permanent location for the emergency shelter.
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Additionally, County Executive William F.X. O’Neil has initiated conversations with the Governor’s Office about opportunities to collaborate with the State to create housing opportunities at the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center property to provide more opportunities in the housing spectrum and ensure the success of the County’s homeless prevention efforts.

County Executive William F.X. O’Neil said, “Dutchess County continues our plan to develop the Hudson Valley’s most transformative solution to homelessness. Taking these next actions builds more momentum as we seek our ultimate resolution to address the plight of homelessness and save lives. We have heard from the Legislature’s selected representatives on this issue, and we’ve used their contributions to craft plans that will ensure success. We look forward to moving this process forward to offer those experiencing homelessness a hand up and support to find safe and stable housing.”