[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6315668,"mediaKeyId","2378797-37e9b15b526f5cfbf82476c0be461120","parentId",2378797,"title","Orange County DSS reports year-end increases in hotel placements and SNAP caseload; HEAP funding briefly paused","audioSeconds",921,"startMs",1594000,"endMs",2515000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2378797-37e9b15b526f5cfbf82476c0be461120&start=1594&end=2515","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2378797-37e9b15b526f5cfbf82476c0be461120/thumbnail_1594000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6315668/Orange-County/New-York/Orange-County-DSS-reports-year-end-increases-in-hotel-placements-and-SNAP-caseload-HEAP-funding-briefly-paused","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6315668-f03ddb48d04c65812982f8ebfb09f362/orig.mp4?Expires=1775922942&Signature=QEeoolzxFCpiUwP1imLAZeZh9SaDCXz-IG9cf8wRot~YatWfZt8zTIPRZcIwCvYNI59NERhfmpHlmsmDlibDs9Od~Mu6iNdv4-m1W-jJ7N8~Zr08MpTOCQjSBQ26zCVsyVaFg~rALx44hWDvvk1uimOrpW8651~83wk61loUB8QcommPBn4LPL~8sGbucwFsBjsQ0yGyO4JUt6QTNDwBzxR1RYQ7RXs40K3OsPdyXDq3Sl8EXXMA1iZEYMaqNAk9JlHGV0WZXT4Ew2Km1sINI0jU4LAsCvhiSFusplPQfqHfOYT0OMOfeNLe~A0ejd0aJRERB9HgHmEU7A0Bc7iw-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Orange County New York","date","2025-02-19T00:00:00Z","article","Orange County Department of Social Services staff presented the December report and year-end 2024 summary showing higher counts in several homelessness-related measures, a small month-to-month increase in SNAP caseloads and changes in Medicaid case counts tied to the post-pandemic recertification process.

Key figures presented for December and 2024 year-end:

- Temporary Assistance (TA): Average family assistance cases rose to 554.3 in 2024 (from 517 in 2023). Safety net averaged 786.1 in 2024 (from 751.1 in 2023). TA case counts in December matched November; family assistance was down 9 cases and safety net up 9 cases, leaving the monthly total unchanged.

- SNAP: 18,922 cases received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in December; the 2024 monthly average was 18,364.2, up from 17,708.3 in 2023.

- HEAP: There were 737 HEAP payments in December. Staff said the state temporarily closed regular HEAP applications for several days after federal funds were exhausted; the state allocated $35 million in state dollars to re-open the program and staff expected HEAP to remain open through March. Emergency HEAP remained available during the interruption.

- Local fuel assistance: Staff said the county continued to accept applications when the state pause occurred by processing applications as soon as HEAP reopened; the county also referenced an Orange County Fuel Fund that can serve people who do not qualify for HEAP (the fuel fund has less stringent income requirements). On the record, staff said approximately $222,000 appears in the budget for the fuel fund, of which roughly $100,000 is in the fund itself and the remainder was allocated for administrative costs.

- Emergency housing and shelters: In December there were averages reported of about 20 families and 46.4 singles in refugee housing shelters and in hotels/motels the December snapshot showed 131 families and 161 singles placed. The 2024 monthly averages were 112.5 families and 116.5 singles in hotels/motels, a marked increase from 2023 averages of 63.7 families and 25.8 singles.

- Homelessness services: 822 individuals experiencing homelessness received services in December. The 2024 monthly average was 737 individuals, about 250 more than the prior year's monthly average.

- Medicaid and managed care: Locally managed Medicaid cases numbered 20,614 in December with a 2024 monthly average of 20,675. Staff noted an overall decrease compared with 2023 averages (22,007) tied to the Medicaid 'unwind' and the return of recertification requirements. Managed care case numbers showed declines year over year.

- Child protection and related measures: December had 292 child abuse/neglect reports investigated (180 traditional response, 112 alternative response); out-of-home placements numbered 77 children in December and the 2024 monthly average for out-of-home placements was 201, down from 220 in 2023. Child protective services reports and some other measures trended downward year over year.

- Raise the Age arrests: December recorded 10 total arrests (five felonies, five misdemeanors); staff said the increase from 2022 to 2024 may reflect changes in charging decisions and post-COVID behavioral trends among youth.

- Child support and special investigations: Child support served 9,616 cases in December and collected and disbursed $41,707,553 in 2024, about $2 million more than 2023. Special investigations produced cost avoidance estimated at over $9.4 million for beds and EDR cases in 2024; 721 investigations were conducted in 2024 with 509 substantiated and additional monthly fraud investigations in December (41 investigated, 28 substantiated).

Staff answered board questions about processing times and said the goal for determinations on ongoing benefit applications is 30 days (emergency benefits processed faster). For Medicaid long-term care and more complex cases, processing time varies because of documentation needs and coordination with nursing homes and other partners.

Why it matters: The report highlights growing demand for emergency housing and related services, the operational impacts of state HEAP funding interruptions, and the effects of Medicaid recertification on caseloads. Board members asked for follow-up details including the OC Fuel Fund balance and whether OCFS or other state agencies provide formulas for allocations to counties.

Board members requested follow-up items including a report from the agency that administers the Orange County Fuel Fund on fund balance and use and staff follow-up to request OCFS or state documentation on funding formulas for CAC allocations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Orange County Human Services Committee 2025-02-19","oneSentenceSummary","The Department of Social Services reported December and year-end 2024 figures showing increases in hotel/motel placements and average monthly homelessness service caseloads, a small increase in SNAP cases, HEAP program interruptions when federal funds ran out, and changes in Medicaid caseloads due to the post-pandemic 'unwind.'","taxTitle","Orange County, New York","taxId",14532,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6315673,"Orange County accepts $66,666 in supplemental OCFS funds for Child Advocacy Center multidisciplinary team",172,1318000,1490000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2378797-37e9b15b526f5cfbf82476c0be461120&start=1318&end=1490","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2378797-37e9b15b526f5cfbf82476c0be461120/thumbnail_1318000.jpg","/articles/6315673/Orange-County/New-York/Orange-County-accepts-66666-in-supplemental-OCFS-funds-for-Child-Advocacy-Center-multidisciplinary-team","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6315673-c372139205c5f757cda9b1e5f9a4d651/orig.mp4?Expires=1775922942&Signature=SY9sawO~~Q1zQZ-7R-ac5HoDdgPF9Be6NoxqXkeLGnI1rfjwoYoa7n6-GvattugkXKTproHJCoaMwOR3v6LFTm3pgOihBkq-uN2w3yycQsRtLNeiXHsXl3lCqiWZ2ISzfpnRirzwitsrAhLhgbrO9aU1Eis1SoQqRI4FuDBKjwyOcnjvguYmlvuZpZYx1klSrjt5fWKhScdzmCNFE5kvnX-8367Zf6g69pDPPLAUECl138Ik5e--9gmUgXjR6DAghqLDvteWCOE0ST-md2aWunMOLJjgUlNKW2RuRJEdjy4cQQ32PgB0LYP8egi3W2t0NMEYFnNWdl9cymsJLoPMsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Orange County accepted $66,666 in supplemental funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to support the Orange County Multidisciplinary Team at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC). County staff said the funds offset program expenses including staffing, equipment, supplies, occupancy and training.

Staff described the multidisciplinary team as a coordinated investigative and response team for children who have experienced abuse, intended to limit repeated interviews and centralize evidence collection. County staff said the CAC formally opened about four years ago at the Haxfield Lane location and provides interview and video-recording capability to preserve testimony.

Board members asked about how OCFS determines award amounts; staff said allocations appear to vary by county and may reflect factors including population, number of reports and the timing of CAC development. Staff offered to follow up to request OCFS documentation explaining the formula or methodology for award amounts. The appropriation was approved by voice vote; recorded tallies were not specified.

Why it matters: County staff said the funding supports operations that aim to reduce trauma to children during abuse investigations by centralizing interviews and sharing investigative information among agencies.","Orange County accepted $66,666 in supplemental funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services to offset expenses for the Orange County Multidisciplinary Team and Child Advocacy Center.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6315678,"Orange County accepts $496,153 for family-centered case management and creates grant-funded clerk position",268,1072000,1340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2378797-37e9b15b526f5cfbf82476c0be461120&start=1072&end=1340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2378797-37e9b15b526f5cfbf82476c0be461120/thumbnail_1072000.jpg","/articles/6315678/Orange-County/New-York/Orange-County-accepts-496153-for-family-centered-case-management-and-creates-grant-funded-clerk-position","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6315678-ebbcf845e8d4e4de0aaec6604207d8cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775922942&Signature=NJuaAmm2AaRCOVHoNTlZxYLBUapRpkWn6tsHOIrPO4IDm5UrQWAWIZvWbY8ldUwIIRt6mgwCKq9RI9c9v9TBjO2GV59dubifpRw0H8He4jEbhWSBCUY4AiSx7RKZb0JaOxZ26Hp-9RsZ6zUppG9m0zlfyYMcbjOI~Jot4g0tceL4vb39rVwo4pMFwBvDxZOv94H16XljrEaIlk~tccclJWhlY~jzL-7VTmiz8~p6GC1VjxnMTWIx5y2kfv2JKMLMA4u773XT4rb6upyIQbA6bqxb8fHc5z~9NChEeGqsbXQjSQvQ7~mJOwNIjvSISS-42Pf1VD2TypbhK0hcyirB7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Orange County accepted and appropriated $496,153 from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to support Family Centered Case Management Services and approved creating a county grade-6 account clerk position to provide program clerical support.

County staff said the allocation funds contractual staff to provide intensive case management for families experiencing homelessness, including three contractual housing case managers, one contractual employment specialist, one contractual community mental health specialist (licensed social worker or equivalent) and an account clerk to handle required documentation and reporting. Staff said there are no local funds in the program and that the state accepted and approved the county's plan to use the allocation for those roles.

During discussion, board members asked whether the clerk position would remain if the grant ended. County staff said the position is grant-funded and would likely be eliminated if the funding is discontinued unless the board later decided to fund it through county dollars. One board member moved to amend the position creation to include an explicit abolishment if the funds terminate; that amendment was seconded and approved. The underlying motion to create the position and accept the allocation was subsequently approved by voice vote; recorded tallies were not specified.

Why it matters: County staff said the case management program is aimed at reducing family homelessness by providing coordinated housing, employment and mental-health services and that clerical support is essential to maintain required documentation and avoid losing the allocation.

County staff said they were told by the state that this is ongoing funding and that future year allocations may continue to be provided, but the board's amendment specifies the county will abolish the clerk position if the grant funds terminate.","The county accepted $496,153 from the state to fund Family Centered Case Management Services and approved creation of a grade-6 account clerk position funded by the grant; the board also voted to abolish the position if grant funding ends.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6315682,"Orange County approves $298,783 SAFE arrears program to prevent evictions",236,824000,1060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2378797-37e9b15b526f5cfbf82476c0be461120&start=824&end=1060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2378797-37e9b15b526f5cfbf82476c0be461120/thumbnail_824000.jpg","/articles/6315682/Orange-County/New-York/Orange-County-approves-298783-SAFE-arrears-program-to-prevent-evictions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6315682-49b2ec1bab9ed272f4ef1506225eeb66/orig.mp4?Expires=1775922942&Signature=iB5j6cXL6ofSrUB1mRj~8ripcIXxyUsxt2Big2kkK91OT4TJ3yEoHbVVf3irxUJm3pA7J52oZd7aVAFMCcTf-1Z~BRAE8urGBg~uoz8BVXCiGRz0GIGW8jWgPfZluPHARKH6qHOqOWGeOZsLKbX~Xu4YXQJQc1W4ZG1ytCBEI93FEO~z8MCgFmqpaH4dkiVkTSxfHR3MgzcgICfTyBHEUyFA-FS49Y~sEajvnxgUvsOBVKCC3Z7bGmzdRN10KlkvbLcyPxnQNpwf9j8GoJwWVdi3W20iuJgf2xcIEMp4lhvV5yZBf10W3Gn7PJdyCAFaZY8thR7dtPNNlqUx2nvkUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Orange County accepted and appropriated $298,783 from state funds to establish the Shelter Arrears Eviction for Installment program, called SAFE, aimed at helping eligible households repay shelter arrears and avoid eviction.

County staff said SAFE carries no local funds, provides up to six months of arrears per household (months need not be consecutive) and is intended for families and individuals who first apply for Emergency Assistance to Families or Emergency Safety Net Assistance and are found ineligible for those programs. Income eligibility was described as matching the other emergency assistance programs, currently at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

County staff explained the six-month limit applies over the lifetime of the allocation described for that program instance; additional transfers of state funds would create new allocations on the same program line. Staff also said there is a cap on individual awards that is higher than some other programs, but the exact per-household maximum was not specified during the discussion. The program is funded through state appropriations and county staff said each state fiscal year would have a separate allocation amount.

The board approved the legislative request to accept and appropriate the $298,783 for the SAFE program by voice vote; recorded tallies were not specified in the meeting record.

Why it matters: The county described SAFE as a short-term arrears repayment program meant to stop evictions and reduce new entries to homelessness by addressing past-due shelter bills rather than providing ongoing rental assistance.

The county did not provide a firm per-household dollar cap on the record and said applicants must first pursue other emergency assistance options before being assessed for SAFE. Staff said program eligibility and funding availability will be tied to state allocations and that future transfers could add funding to the same program line.","Orange County accepted and appropriated $298,783 in state funds to create the Shelter Arrears Eviction for Installment (SAFE) program to help eligible households repay up to six months of past-due shelter arrears and avoid eviction.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Orange County DSS reports year-end increases in hotel placements and SNAP caseload; HEAP funding briefly paused

Orange County accepts $66,666 in supplemental OCFS funds for Child Advocacy Center multidisciplinary team

Orange County accepts $496,153 for family-centered case management and creates grant-funded clerk position

Orange County approves $298,783 SAFE arrears program to prevent evictions