HOMELESS IN NASSAU

Some information I found from various websites when I recently counseled a tenant who was not only facing eviction but lacked any financial means to obtain new premises. This list is not meant to be all inclusive but for those faced with eviction and in need of immediate housing assistance, please note the following:

1. "If a person is experiencing a housing crisis in Nassau County, he or she should go to the Nassau County Department of Social Services (DSS), at 60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Uniondale, Monday thru Friday, between the hours of 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. A DSS emergency services unit worker will assess the individual’s needs. The person may have to wait some time before they receive their referral for an emergency housing placement. Shelter placements and assistance with emergency housing needs are provided at the Department of Social Services (DSS) under the auspices of the Nassau County Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD). Eligible individuals and families can, on an emergency, temporary basis be assisted with shelter and other items of need to help them meet their emergency and move as quickly as possible to a stable self-sufficient role in the community. If a family or individual is threatened with eviction or foreclosure, assistance may be available to save the current housing. These programs are: Emergency Assistance to Families, Emergency Assistance to Adults and Emergency Safety Net Assistance. These programs were designed to meet one-time non-recurrent emergency situations. These benefits do have specific eligibility requirements, and each case receives the attention of a worker with specialized knowledge in this area. Applications for eligibility should be made as soon as the potential problem becomes known. Following approval of eligibility by DSS, OHCD will proceed with providing for emergency housing assistance."

2. "The INN’s emergency shelters provide housing and supportive services for guests experiencing the trauma of homelessness. The INN has three emergency shelters in Nassau County—two family shelters and one shelter for single men. The INN shelters are open all year long and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additional services provided to the shelters include educational workshops for the guests on activities of daily living, parenting, employment, nutrition, etc. The INN also has a housing specialist to assists families in locating and securing appropriate and affordable housing. For further information please contact The INN's main office, at (516) 486-8506"

3. "Bethany House provides safe, supportive, emergency housing for women and their dependent children, and a comprehensive range of additional programs and resources. Each shelter has a social worker to assist guests with crisis intervention and prevention, goal identification and achievement, and overcoming barriers that led to homelessness. The social worker also assists the guests in identifying and developing support systems and services to prevent the future of homelessness. Support staff helps guests to adjust to communal living; ensure a safe, stable, dignified environment; and provide information and referrals. Bethany House, 102 Whitehouse Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575 (516) 868-6866"

4. "Other programs that provide a temporary place to stay (usually three days to two weeks), generally in dormitory-style facilities with very little privacy, for people who have no permanent housing. Also included are programs that provide motel vouchers for people who are homeless.

See http://211longisland.communityos.org/taxonomy/taxonomy_overview.taf?taxonomy_id=525848"