Helping the homeless this winter
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. ̶ Winter in the Hudson Valley is often torturous, but for Poughkeepsie’s homeless population, the situation is often perilous.
Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report, shows that homelessness in Dutchess County is on the rise, with an estimated 388 homeless in 2017. This is up from an estimated 375 homeless in 2016 as reported by New York State. Local homeless shelters are seeing the increase, “Last year the highest number in one night was 105. This year [so far] it was 110,” said Marsha Eldridge, resident services manager at Hillcrest House, located at 28 Snow Terrace in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
Aside from the difficulties they face in the winter, the homeless are needing shelter longer. Dutchess County reports the average length of stay in a shelter has increased from 46 to 63 days in 2017.
Officials said that lack of affordable housing is one of the main reasons behind the increasing homeless population. Dutchess County Community Development Administrator Anne Saylor cited restrictive zoning laws and lack of funding as major components of the housing crisis.
Under New York State Code Blue Regulations, the county is required to provide shelter for the homeless when the temperature drops below freezing. In 2018, Dutchess County reported having 709 beds available for the homeless, including emergency, transitional, and long-term housing.
In addition to county housing, local non-profits, such as Hudson River Housing, have opened shelters with county support. “For years Hudson River Housing has been doing ‘overflow’ during the cold months,” said Eldridge.
Reaching the Unreachable
As winter continues to drag on, city officials have implemented new ways of reaching the homeless. Saylor said, “Code Blue protocol includes outreaching efforts to identified homeless individuals and bringing them into care.” The city has created a Behavioral Evaluative Action Team, B.E.A.T. for short, to help connect with the homeless and at risk individuals. The team is comprised of city police and mental health counselors. Each team walks the streets twice a week in four-hour shifts to connect with those on the streets. The teams are able to distribute information and resources for those that need them. Mayor Rolison said the program has been “really successful, although sometimes it takes multiple interactions with people.”
Eldridge explained that Hudson River Housing is taking similar steps, “Outreach teams have been created to walk the streets of Poughkeepsie to spread the word about the shelter and other services Hudson River Housing provides.” The organization hopes to target those living in dangerous areas such as abandoned buildings or parking lots and is canvassing areas such as the train station, local parks, and parking lots. The homeless can also receive information about local shelters from other area agencies that often refer Hudson River Housing.
No man left behind
During the winter months, nobody is turned away from Hudson River Housing shelters. “Mental health and substance use do not hinder an individual’s opportunity to receive assistance and/or services from Hudson River Housing during the winter months,” said Eldridge. Some area shelters, such as the Webster House, are not “dry” shelters, so those who are intoxicated will not be turned away unless they turn violent. If Webster House staff cannot deescalate an upset individual, local police are called.
Despite the prevalent homeless population, the city cannot force people off of the streets. Unless an individual has committed a crime or is a threat to themselves or others, they have a constitutional right to remain on the street. “Could we always do more? Yes, but you have to work within the legal framework,” said Mayor Rolison, “Services do exist if you want them.”
Giving Back
For more information on shelters or giving back click on the links below:
http://hudsonriverhousing.org/programs.html
