Washington County Hosts Public Meeting to Review Housing Transitions Action Plan
The County’s 6-month project includes input from municipal leaders, service providers, agency and citizen stakeholders, and members of the public.
In June 2018, Washington County kicked-off a project to evaluate homeless housing needs and gaps throughout the County. The study is exploring housing challenges faced by homeless individuals and identify recommendations for homeless and transitional housing for the County to consider and potentially pursue in partnership with existing service providers. The project is funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning Grant program administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).
"There is a shortfall of affordable housing units in the County, as well as insufficient access to housing for the disabled." said Laura Oswald, Director of Economic Development "In a rural area like Washington County, the homeless and at-risk populations may be less visible than other places. But studies suggest homelessness has increased in recent years, along with the impacts of homelessness on families in transition."
"Our goal is to develop a solution to the challenge of providing transitional housing for the homeless population in Washington County," said Chris DeBolt, County Administrator. "An ideal outcome would be to secure the interest of a private developer to pursue permanent housing facilities, with possible state and federal funding assistance."
Washington County has engaged the services of MM Development Advisors, an affordable housing development consulting company, which specializes in supportive housing for a range of homeless and special needs populations. Also part of the consulting team is Highland Planning, a community planning firm that specializes in public engagement.
In July of this year, the County hosted two public meetings (one in Granville and one in Fort Edward), attended by over 75 participants. The purpose of those meetings was to provide information about the project and gather feedback from members of the community, municipal leaders, and service providers.
At the upcoming meeting on September 18, the County will share preliminary findings and recommendations from the study, and seek feedback from members of the community.
More information is below:
September 18, 2018
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company
3715 Burgoyne Ave
Hudson Falls, NY 12839
Questions about the meeting:
Susan Hopkins, Project Director
Highland Planning
[email protected]
585-287-2755
Questions about the project/Media Contact:
Laura Oswald
Washington County
Director of Economic Development 518-746-2291