Sullivan County officials present ‘housing gateway’ plan to reduce hotel placements; state grant, site selection and costs remain key questions

Sullivan County’s Department of Social Services presented a plan to create a 20‑bed “housing gateway” — a triage facility providing case management and on‑site services — that county officials say would reduce the county’s reliance on privately run hotels for emergency housing.

Commissioner (DSS) outlined the proposed facility and argued it would be a more cost‑effective, service‑oriented alternative to hotels. The draft architectural plan described a roughly 6,500‑square‑foot, single‑story building with a commercial kitchen, confidential meeting spaces, laundry, locked storage, public restroom/showers, and ten double‑occupancy rooms to provide 20 beds.

The commissioner described regulatory constraints and service requirements for shelters licensed under the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), referencing 18 NYCRR Part 491 (shelters for adults) and Part 900 (shelters for families with children). “When you operate a housing gateway under Part 491, there are services that have to be provided under those regulations,” the commissioner said, listing required health services, qualified staff, resident rights reviews and regular inspections.

Cost and funding: county staff said the architect…