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Social Services reports move to 63 Genesee, rising homelessness and hotel costs; county aims to reduce single‑adult shelter reliance
Summary
County Social Services described phased relocation to 63 Genesee, current staffing and office capacity, and detailed homeless counts: 104 single adults and 31 families in the most recent weekly census; staff and committee discussed hotel use, shelter placements and reimbursement rates for families vs singles.
Social Services staff updated the Health & Human Services Committee on operational moves, staffing and homelessness numbers.
Staff said the department began a phased move to 63 Genesee Street on May 1; administration, accounting and some day‑care staff have already relocated and additional services staff are being moved in phases with an expected end‑of‑month target for full occupancy where space allows. The staff also said several county units (including finance and the treasurer) will occupy the building and that some staff will remain remote or housed at other county locations due to space limits.
On homelessness, Social Services reported a most‑recent census showing 104 single adults and 31 families countywide. Staff said family placements receive higher state/federal reimbursement rates while single adults generate a larger county cost burden; staff estimated reimbursement for single adult shelter placements is approximately 29 percent. The county reported that of the singles, 8–10 are in Chapel House and 16 are at Ray of Light, with the remaining single placements in hotels; all families are in hotels or transitional housing including Rescue Mission units.
Staff emphasized cost concerns related to long stays in hotels and said the county recently moved seven households into permanent housing. Committee members agreed to convene a meeting of stakeholders (including the sheriff and service providers) to review profiles of long‑stay hotel placements and explore ways to reduce costs and improve outcomes.
Committee members and staff also discussed building capacity at 63 Genesee and the number of staff who will be housed there; staff estimated roughly 80 personnel will be based at 63 Genesee when county and partner units are included, with other staff remaining remote or at alternate county locations.
