West NY News

The Chautauqua County Department of Social Services has introduced a new Public Assistance Shelter Supplement (PASS) initiative aimed at tackling the issue of rising housing insecurity and homelessness in the area. This program is intended to support families, single adults, and childless couples facing housing costs by bridging the gap between public assistance shelter allowances and actual rental rates.

Carmelo Hernandez, Commissioner of Social Services, emphasized the growing concern about housing costs: "As housing costs continue to rise, far too many of our residents—especially families with children—have found themselves without stable housing. This new program allows us to offer practical, long-term solutions that not only reduce the cost of emergency shelter placements but improve quality of life for our community’s most vulnerable."

The PASS initiative aligns with New York State's broader efforts to address the housing crisis by providing supplemental funding for rent. This will help eligible individuals secure and maintain affordable, permanent housing. It targets families receiving Family Assistance or Safety Net Aid who are homeless or at risk of eviction, as well as single individuals and childless couples on Safety Net Assistance facing similar housing issues.

Currently, many residents of Chautauqua County reside in temporary hotel accommodations due to a lack of affordable housing. These options are often not suitable for children and do not support long-term stability. The PASS program aims to offer a more economical alternative, emphasizing stability, education, and mental well-being.

Charlene Johnson, Principal Social Welfare Examiner with Chautauqua County DSS, commented on the broader goals of the initiative: "This initiative is about more than cost savings—it’s about giving people a chance to build a better life. We’re using a ‘housing first’ approach, which means getting people into safe, stable homes first, and then supporting them with employment, health, and recovery goals."

By reducing the need for emergency hotel placements, the program supports up to 175 households per month and could lead to significant local savings. The program is designed to save up to $2 million for single or childless couples and up to $600,000 for families at full capacity. Eligibility is based on public assistance status and current housing needs, with supplements tailored to household size and fair market rent rates.

For more details on the PASS program or other housing assistance resources, contact the Chautauqua County Department of Social Services at (716) 661-8200 or visit chqgov.com.