March 26, 2025

Chautauqua County Launches New Initiative to Combat Family Homelessness

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News Summary

In response to the rising homelessness crisis, a new Family-Centered Case Management (FCCM) Initiative has been launched in New York. Supported by the state, this initiative integrates multiple services to provide comprehensive support for families facing homelessness. Currently assisting around 50 families, it offers tailored case management plans and ongoing support. As the community faces a significant increase in homelessness, this initiative aims to address the urgent needs of families and connect them to vital resources for stability and assistance.

Addressing Homelessness: New Family-Centered Initiative in the Works

In a heartfelt response to the increasing struggles of families facing homelessness, a new initiative has been launched that aims to provide a helping hand to those most in need. The Family-Centered Case Management (FCCM) Initiative kicks off a comprehensive effort focused on wrapping families with the support they need during tough times.

Funding and Integration

This important program is made possible thanks to the generous backing from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. It stands out as the very first initiative in the area to successfully merge services from the Department of Mental Hygiene and the Department of Social Services. This synergy is vital, delivering a more robust and holistic approach to families battling homelessness.

Welcome to the Support Network

Currently, the FCCM Initiative is extending its arms to approximately 50 families who are temporarily housing. But here’s the twist – the number of families being helped changes every day! That’s because new families continue to get eligible for both Temporary Assistance (TA) and Temporary Housing Assistance (THA). Whenever a family lands in temporary housing, caseworkers are quick to alert the FCCM team. This results in the families being immediately connected with targeted support services, setting them on a path toward stability.

Personalized and Ongoing Support

Life challenges don’t come in a one-size-fits-all package, and the FCCM Initiative recognizes that. Families are receiving individualized case management plans specifically designed to tackle their unique obstacles. And the assistance doesn’t stop there! With continued support and regular follow-ups, families can monitor their progress closely and get re-engaged with services when needed.

Tackling Homelessness Head-On

This new initiative aligns perfectly with the local government’s strategy to combat the rising number of homeless individuals and families in the community. By collaborating with local service providers and community organizations, the county is ensuring a coordinated response to this pressing issue.

Unfortunately, the need for such initiatives has become increasingly urgent. Over just a couple of years, the county has seen a shocking 100% rise in overall homelessness. Even more concerning is the staggering 150% increase in homeless families and a dramatic 141% uptick in homeless children during the same timeframe. These alarming statistics can be traced back to a variety of issues, including the end of critical pandemic protections, a serious shortage of affordable housing, an influx of asylum seekers, and ongoing mental health and substance use challenges.

Building a Stronger Support Network

To respond to these escalating concerns, the county is not just stopping at the FCCM Initiative. They are also expanding their homelessness support network. This includes providing emergency housing assistance along with mental health and substance use treatments. One valuable resource available during extreme weather is the Code Blue Warming Center. This facility ensures overnight shelter, a vital service for those facing harsh conditions.

Getting Help is Easy

If you or someone you know is facing difficulties, accessing these crucial resources is straightforward. Get the support you need by visiting CHQGov.com/CodeBlue or calling the local Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services. Remember, you are not alone, and there are programs like the FCCM Initiative ready to help families navigate these challenging times.