Hudson River Housing opposes Dutchess County's plan for shelter in Poughkeepsie

Hudson River Housing, the biggest operator of emergency and transitional housing in Dutchess County, said it won't apply to operate the shelter the county plans to create in the city of Poughkeepsie.

The agency's president, Christa Hines, issued a statement on Tuesday saying the county's "proposed actions do not align with the organization’s mission and values, and because these actions also conflict with the valid concerns expressed by numerous City of Poughkeepsie residents."

The agency opposes plans to locate the temporary shelter inside the jail and the permanent shelter on Oakley Street, saying there are other locations outside of the city that would be better, such as Hillcrest in the town of Poughkeepsie.

Hudson River Housing operates Hillcrest, which is used as transitional housing. It also operated Webster House, located on the same property, which was used for emergency housing and is now vacant.

“The assumption that a facility designed for incarceration can adequately perform as a homeless shelter with minimal renovation, only furthers the stigma and reinforces trauma for people experiencing homelessness,” Hines said regarding the county's decision to turn its jail into a temporary housing facility.

Hudson River Housing has previously opposed the location of the permanent emergency housing at Oakley Street, according to Hines. The county rejected using Hillcrest as a shelter last year and recently announced it is exploring the possibility of turning the property into a campus for transitional and affordable housing.

Dutchess County responds to Hudson River Housing decision

For over a year, the county has been looking to move its shelter located at the PODs, which is a temporary structure attached to the jail initially meant to house inmates. The shelter was originally located at Webster House in the town of Poughkeepsie and operated by Hudson River Housing. The county needs to close down the PODs in order to open up its new jail, called Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center.

Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil noted that former jails across the country have been converted to shelter for homeless individuals, and the county only plans to utilize the former jail for an emergency shelter on a temporary basis as it works to finalize a permanent location.

O'Neil said the facility will be a "significant improvement for guests compared to the current PODS."

"It will provide the much-needed space to finally be able to provide critical services on-site for guests to get the help they need to overcome the issues and barriers that have led them to homelessness," said O'Neil. "The renovations will ensure the space meets and exceeds all of the New York State Office of Temporary Assistance standards to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the shelter’s guests."

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The county legislature voted last year to approve the purchase of the Oakley Street property for a shelter in a neighborhood already struggling with crime, drugs and gun violence, causing a backlash in the community.

The location of the shelter at 26 Oakley St. has been contested by city officials, residents, business owners and Democrats within the county legislature since the start of 2022. This week marks the first time Hudson River Housing has issued a public statement against the location of the shelter.

The agency called for the county "to work with municipalities throughout the County to establish emergency shelter and housing services, beyond the north side of the City of Poughkeepsie."

Hudson River Housing also stated the plan restricts the operator's "influence over care management and housing navigation services for shelter residents." The agency said it would not apply to operate the county's homeless shelter when the request for proposals is issued.

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Next steps for Dutchess County

O’Neil said the county respects Hudson River Housing's decision "to not pursue the opportunity to be part of the new model," which it believes will "dramatically improve the homeless issues facing Dutchess County."

"Dutchess County is embracing a proven, evidence-based model as we move forward toward a new Emergency Housing Facility for single adults – with the goal of transforming the County’s emergency housing response system and connecting those needing housing and services with providers in one facility who can address the causes of their homelessness and help them achieve independence and housing stability," said O'Neil.

The county expects to issue a Request for Expressions of Interest Sept. 1 as it looks to partner with a contracted shelter operator.

"We have received interest about the innovative model for the new emergency shelter and we look forward to receiving proposals from qualified agencies," said O'Neil.

Saba Ali: Sali1@poughkeepsiejournal.com: 845-451-4518: @MsSabaAli.

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Hudson River Housing opposes Dutchess County's plan for shelter