Housing

Our goal is to provide the earliest intervention possible to prevent an individual or family from losing their housing. We often act as an intermediary in resolving landlord/tenant disputes that may lead to eviction, putting forth every reasonable effort to preserve permanent housing. These efforts include, but are not limited to, the payment of rent arrears, guiding new applicants through the Temporary Assistance process, and, as a last resort, helping families locate new housing.

Call our Dutchess County Prevention Line at 2-1-1, choose to continue in English or Spanish; and press 7 to select the Dutchess Eviction Prevention Line.  Specially trained 211 staff will ask a series of questions and then provide a customized list of programs based on the information provided.  

You can also use this online tool to answer the questions and receive a contact back from 211 with your customized resources.

DCFS works closely with a strong network of community and faith-based organizations to provide emergency shelters and warming centers throughout the county including:

• Hudson River Housing
• Community Housing Innovations (CHI)
• Pathways
• HONOR (helping operate shelters and PODs in Poughkeepsie year-round)
• Christ Church in Poughkeepsie (a seasonal warming center)
• Motels/hotels may also be used for special situations or when no other shelters are available.

Though Dutchess County has various resources available, shelters and warming centers may sometimes become full. Calling us allows staff to find the best available space, arrange safe transportation if you need it, and offer the appropriate resource to suit your needs.

Call DCFS at 845-486-3300 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for assistance with placement options. 

After 5 p.m. or on weekends, please call 2-1-1, select English or Spanish, then press 7 to speak with trained staff who will assist with overnight shelter placement based on availability.

Individuals and families must comply with the following requirements to utilize emergency housing unless a Code Blue period is in effect.

• Must apply for, or receive, Temporary Housing Assistance and comply with all applicable temporary assistance requirements, such as participating in employment and training programs, applying for supplemental security income benefits and participating in rehabilitative services.
• Use any benefits or resources that will reduce or eliminate the need for Temporary Housing Assistance
• Cooperate in the completion of an assessment conducted by department staff.
• Develop an Independent Living Plan which outlines the responsibilities of both the client and the department.
• Comply with the rules and regulations of the temporary housing facility and not commit any acts that endanger the safety of self or others in the facility.
• Actively search for permanent housing and cannot unreasonably refuse or fail to accept any appropriate housing offered by the department.

When the temperature is expected to be 32 degrees or below, everyone is entitled to have access to shelter from the cold under Code Blue regulations.

Learn more about Dutchess County’s Code Blue protocol.