CHI provides temporary emergency housing to families and individuals who do not have a safe and decent place to sleep. CHI partners with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) the Departments of Social Services (DSS) in Nassau, Suffolk, Dutchess, Orange Counties, and the New York City Department of Homeless Services (NYC DHS) to provide over 1,500 units of emergency housing units every night.
Facilities
CHI operates 31 emergency housing facilities in 8 New York Counties. Facilities range in size from a 6-unit house to a 200-bed dorm serving diverse populations including single men, single women, adult-only households, and families with children. Facilities are monitored by 24/7 onsite security and security cameras. Three meals a day are provided. Maintenance and repairs are handled by property owners or by CHI employees and contractors.
Services
CHI facilities are operated by a variety of staffing structures based on the resident population size. Small facilities are staffed by one or two case managers. Large facilities are staffed with operations and social service teams who provide onsite services including counseling, rehousing assistance, advocacy, and referrals to community-based resources. Staff coordinate workshops and activities to build independent living skills, transportation assistance, education services for school-aged children, laundry services, mail distribution, and 24/7 emergency assistance and crisis intervention. Service levels are based on program needs; not all services are available for all locations.
CHI services are premised on the Housing First model where the ultimate objective is for residents to find permanent housing. Comprehensive assessments are conducted to identify and coordinate immediate and long-term needs of all household members including health, mental health, employment, education, and other human and social service needs as related to housing and independent living. Independent living planning and rehousing assistance starts on day one and underpins all case management interactions, onsite workshops and activities, and offsite referrals to remove barriers to housing and foster self-sufficiency.
For Assistance
Emergency housing residents must be referred by county Department of Social Services or NYC Department of Homeless Services. CHI cannot accept walk-ins. If you or someone you know are currently homeless and in need of assistance, please call / contact your / their respective Department of Social Services for a referral:
| County / City | Info Line | Other Info |
Suffolk County DSS 3085 Veterans Memorial Hwy Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 | 631-854-9930 | After 4:30pm, weekends, and holidays, call 631-854-9100 or 211. |
Nassau County DSS 60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd Uniondale, NY 11553-3656 | 516-227-8519 | After 4:00pm, weekends, and holidays, call 516-573-8626 or 211. |
Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services 60 Market Street Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 | 845-486-3300 | After hour emergencies, call 211. |
Orange County DSS 18 Seward Avenue Mineola, NY 11501 | 845-346-1120 | After hour emergencies, call 211. |
New York City DHS 33 Beaver Street New York, NY 10004 | 311 |