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Chautauqua County Launches New Initiative to Combat Family Homelessness

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News Summary

Chautauqua County has introduced the Family-Centered Case Management (FCCM) Initiative to address the rising rates of homelessness among families. Funded by the New York State OTDA, this program integrates mental health and social services to provide personalized care for families in need. Currently assisting around 50 families in temporary housing, the initiative focuses on tailored support and community collaboration. It aims to reduce homelessness in the region, which has seen alarming increases in recent years, especially among families and children.

A New Hope for Families Facing Homelessness

In an inspiring move, Chautauqua County has launched the Family-Centered Case Management (FCCM) Initiative, a program designed specifically to tackle the growing issue of homelessness among families. This new initiative comes in response to alarming increases in homelessness, especially among families and children, and is fully funded by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).

Bringing Services Together for Better Support

The FCCM Initiative is a groundbreaking step for Chautauqua County, marking the first time that the Department of Mental Hygiene and the Department of Social Services are working hand-in-hand to support families in need. By fully integrating these services, the county is gearing up to provide targeted, wraparound support for families facing the harsh realities of homelessness.

At present, the initiative is actively assisting around 50 families who are currently in temporary housing. This number can change daily, with new families qualifying for Temporary Assistance (TA) and Temporary Housing Assistance (THA). Caseworkers are quick to inform the FCCM team when a family moves into temporary housing, ensuring they are immediately connected to specialized support services.

Tailored Support for Unique Challenges

The beauty of the FCCM Initiative lies in its focus on personalized care. Each family receives an individualized case management plan, tailored to address their specific challenges, which could include mental health issues, financial instability, or lack of accessible housing. The program emphasizes ongoing support and regular follow-ups, ensuring families are monitored throughout their journey and can easily re-engage when necessary.

Community Collaboration for Lasting Change

This kind of effort aligns perfectly with the county’s broader strategy of tackling the increasing numbers of unhoused individuals and families. The county has joined forces with local service providers and community organizations to create a more coordinated response to homelessness. By pooling resources and expertise, they are setting a strong example of community collaboration aimed at making a real difference.

Addressing Rising Homelessness Statistics

Chautauqua County has seen a staggering rise in homelessness over recent years, with overall numbers climbing by more than 100% between 2022 and 2024. That’s not all; the region has witnessed a 150% increase in homeless families, and a shocking 141% increase in homeless children during the same period. These numbers are a clear indication of a growing crisis, influenced by various factors such as the expiration of pandemic protections, housing shortages, the influx of asylum seekers, and ongoing mental health and substance use challenges.

Enhancing Homelessness Support Systems

In light of these challenges, Chautauqua County is not sitting idle. The FCCM Initiative is a part of a larger effort to expand the county’s support network for homelessness. This includes providing emergency housing assistance alongside much-needed mental health and substance use treatment services. On top of that, the county has established the Code Blue Warming Center, which offers overnight shelter during extreme weather conditions—ensuring that no one has to face the harsh elements during the cold months.

How to Access Services

For families and individuals in need, resources are readily available. Information and services can be accessed online through CHQGov.com/CodeBlue or by reaching out directly to the Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services. With initiatives like the Family-Centered Case Management, Chautauqua County is stepping up to not only address but actively reduce homelessness among families, making it a community effort to ensure that every family has a safe and stable place to call home.

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