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Housing

Emergency Housing Service

As a condition of eligibility for Temporary Housing Assistance, individuals and families must comply with the following requirements:

  1. 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.
  2. Use any benefits or resources that will reduce or eliminate the need for Temporary Housing Assistance
  3. Cooperate in the completion of an assessment conducted by the department.
  4. Develop an Independent Living Plan which outlines the responsibilities of both the client and the department.
  5. 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.      
  6. Actively search for permanent housing and cannot unreasonably refuse or fail to accept any appropriate housing offered by the department.

Contact

  • DCFSinfo@dutchessny.gov
  • 845-486-3000
  • 845-486-3090
  • Department of Community and Family Services (DCFS)
    60 Market Street
    Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
  • Monday - Friday, 9 am-5:00 pm
    (Doors open at 8:30am)

DCFSinfo@dutchessny.gov should not be used to submit applications or case documents as we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of these document submissions. Please use NYdocsubmit (mobile phone application) or visit www.MyBenefits.NY.gov. 

Additional DCFS Locations

Only paperwork is accepted on Wednesdays for  Temporary Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, and HEAP  (No in-person client interviews)

Temporary Housing Resources

Housing Resources in Dutchess County include: 

Homelessness Prevention

The primary goal of Homelessness Prevention is to provide the earliest intervention possible to prevent an individual or family from losing their housing or to assist them in obtaining new housing before entering the emergency shelter system. The department’s staff 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.