Monroe County accepts $2.1 million in state funding for shelter-arrears eviction program; DSS explains access rules

The Monroe County Human Services Committee on April 28 approved acceptance of state funding for the SAFE (Shelter Arrears/Eviction Installment) program intended to prevent evictions. Denise Reed of Monroe County Department of Social Services told the committee the county’s allocation from the state is approximately $2.1 million and described how the program is accessed.

Reed said individuals cannot apply directly to SAFE; county staff must first evaluate applicants for three primary emergency assistance programs—Emergency Aid to Families, Emergency Safety Net Assistance and Emergency Aid to Adults—and only if a person is ineligible for those does staff evaluate them for SAFE. "I think it's $2,000,000 total. $2,100,000 total, from the state as the allocation," Reed said when summarizing the award and described typical household assistance as "a little over $4,000 per household".

Committee members asked how quickly funds can be distributed. Reed said the initial emergency-assistance determination typically takes about three to four weeks and that, when moved to SAFE, "it could be additional information that's requested," but that the SAFE determination is often fast if staff already have the documentation. She said roughly 400 households have been served to date under the broader allocation and there are "just under a 100 people currently pending."

Reed also explained practical limits: the SAFE allocation cannot cover late fees or some court fees and landlords often must agree to forego certain charges for the assistance to prevent eviction. The committee carried the item following the explanation and questions; no recorded votes by name were provided on the transcript.