County may run its own homeless facilities
Trending
It appears Chautauqua County is looking to run its own homeless shelters, although it probably won't happen before winter.
Carmelo Hernandez, the county's director of mental hygiene and commissioner of social services, met recently with the county legislature's Human Services Committee where they discussed local homeless shelter availability.
Hernandez said the county is looking to run two different shelters - one in the northern end of the county and one in the southern end. He said they have identified two locations but did not give specific addresses since it doesn't appear either place has been finalized.
Both locations would be for men and could house between 40 and 60 single adult males combined.
Hernandez said the county would not own the properties, but instead lease and run them. At least some of the costs will be reimbursed from other governmental agencies.
"We will be able to provide the case management, also provide the programming and hold a little bit of a tighter reign when it comes to the participants, and have a lot more oversight with both locations and both owners," he said.
Over the past few years, complaints have arisen when the county has been renting hotels for the homeless, that the individuals staying there weren't getting the necessary programming, and that the hotel owners weren't taking care of the properties. In terms of oversight, since it's going to be the county running it, it would be us, the county. In terms of accountability and running the programming, it would be us. In terms of the maintenance of the building and things of that nature, it would be the owners, but that's something we could work together."
Hernandez said he believes in the long run, it will be more cost effective, because they won't need to rent hotels. He also believes it will produce better outcomes.
Hernandez noted this is the first time the county is attempting to run this type of programming. He added they already have the staff and will work with the owners in regards to providing security. The plans include meals, having curfew times for those staying there as well as helping them find jobs, and addressing mental health and substance abuse. Hernandez said the county will utilize various community organizations to help.
Hernandez said the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance needs to give its approval and construction will be required before the county begins the program. Because of this, he said he's hoping the properties will be ready by spring and the county can start the programming by summer.
Officials appeared to be pleased by the progress.
"Needless to say, we're moving forward in a positive direction," said Legislator Marty Proctor, R-Mina.
Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon, R-Ellery, agreed.
"This is exciting news for the entire county," he said.