West NY News

Chautauqua County has initiated a new program aimed at supporting families experiencing homelessness. The Family-Centered Case Management (FCCM) Initiative is funded by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and seeks to integrate services provided by the county's Department of Mental Hygiene and Department of Social Services.

The FCCM team is currently assisting around 50 families in temporary housing, with numbers changing as more families qualify for Temporary Assistance (TA) and Temporary Housing Assistance (THA). When a family enters temporary housing, caseworkers alert the FCCM team to connect them with specialized support services.

Carmelo Hernandez, Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services and Commissioner of Social Services, stated: “This initiative is the first of its kind in Chautauqua County, demonstrating the true power of integrating mental hygiene and social services.” He emphasized that combining resources ensures families receive not only housing support but also access to mental health services, peer advocacy, and long-term case management.

The OTDA-funded initiative involves case managers working directly with families to assess their needs, eliminate barriers to stability, and link them with essential community resources. These resources include mental health and substance use services, employment programs, long-term housing assistance, childcare, and transportation support.

Families are given individualized case management plans tailored to their specific challenges. The program provides ongoing support with regular follow-ups to monitor progress. This approach aligns with Chautauqua County Executive’s strategy to address homelessness by offering sustainable solutions rather than just temporary relief.

The county collaborates closely with local service providers and community organizations for a coordinated response that optimizes available resources. The initiative supports the state’s broader goal of enhancing family-centered services and reducing homelessness across New York.