HEARTH – Help with housing in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties in Northern New York

About HEARTH

The Jefferson County Department of Social Services has been awarded $1.9 million, 22 month grant funding to establish programs to reduce homelessness in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. The funding, which is part of the Federal Economic Stimulus legislation, is administered through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). The grant application was a collaborative effort which included all three county social service districts as well as several non-profit agencies which will actually provide the services to the population in need. OTDA indicated they were looking for a regional approach in addressing homelessness; therefore, Jefferson County DSS Commissioner Laura Cerow worked closely with Commissioner Alvord (Lewis Co.) and Commissioner Rediehs (St. Lawrence Co.) to put together a three county proposal.

The 22-month project, known as Helping Eradicate All Roads To Homelessness (HEARTH), will seek to reduce homelessness by making available a wide range of financial assistance support services. Individuals and families at or below 50% of the region’s median income may qualify for rental assistance, utility assistance, emergency hotel/motel vouchers, security deposits, moving costs, legal assistance, housing location and inspection and dispute (landlord/tenant) resolution.

The program is slated to start by December 14, 2009 and run through July 2012. Participating agencies include Watertown Urban Mission (Jefferson Co.), Snowbelt Housing (Lewis Co.), and Massena Independent Living Center (St. Lawrence Co.). The HEARTH project is coordinated with the area’s on-going regional housing effort know as Points North Housing Coalition.

For more information, or to apply, Contact: