HOPE Center Now Reality For Dutchess County Unhoused

Tuesday was a massive win in Dutchess County, as it became official that significant grant funding and a comprehensive agreement came together for the construction of an emergency housing facility.

Eventually, the center will provide 'housing, structure, and support services for up to 99 individuals experiencing homelessness, helping people overcome challenges and find their path to permanent housing and stability.'

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Sue Serino Announces Approval For HOPE Center

In a formal announcement from the County Executive's Office, Dutchess County will be moving forward with the construction of a $13 million state funded facility that will provide emergency housing for just shy of 100 people, and assist them in the path towards permanent housing.

In the announcement, County Executive Serino expressed her appreciation for the county's partners in Albany, as well as the local community and county government.

I am proud to say Dutchess County is finally able to bring our HOPE Center to life, following years of collaboration with numerous partners. While this process took far longer than anyone wanted, the finish line is now in sight. Dutchess County has been clear from the onset: This new facility, and our proven wrap-around services that will take place within it, will lift even more of our neighbors out of homelessness and into permanent housing.

Homeless Housing & Assistance Program Helps HOPE Center

While County Executive Serino along with Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers signed an agreement earlier in the summer that ensured emergency housing to those in need. The agreement also addressed 'local concerns about safety and potential neighborhood impacts.' Poughkeepsie's Common Council ratified the agreement in July, and then on September 14th, the Dutchess County Legislature gave bipartisan approval, formally accepted the $13 million grant funds from HHAP to move forward with the facility.

The HOPE Center, to be constructed at 26 Oakley Street in Poughkeepsie, will become a replacement for the temporary housing units located at 140 North Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie. The center will serve both adult men and women from the time that it opens (expected 2027), through 2031, and then transition to serving solely single women and/or families.

The HOPE Center will operate with 24-hour security, cameras, enhanced lighting and a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. A Stakeholder Group will be established for communication about the operations of the HOPE Center, including measures being taken to ensure security and address safety and quality of life concerns in the surrounding area.

The city will then work to provide alternative shelter accommodations for single men following the transition to single women/families in 2031.

Construction for the HOPE Center on Oakley Street is set to begin before the year ends.