Sullivan County outlines SNAP resumption, expected HEAP start, and countywide QRT expansion
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Summary
County commissioner reported SNAP payments resumed after the federal shutdown, HEAP authorization is in place with an expected local opening around Nov. 24, and the DA-led Quick Response Team (QRT) that operated in Liberty and Fallsburg will be expanded countywide under COSUP grant funding.
At the Health & Human Services Committee meeting the county commissioner delivered a broad social-services update focused on the aftermath of the recent federal government shutdown and operational adjustments.
The commissioner said SNAP benefits began moving again following state and federal actions and advised residents who do not receive their full November SNAP benefit by Nov. 19 to contact Sullivan County Social Services for assistance. HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) was authorized by the recent congressional actions and state guidance; the county expects a local HEAP opening around Nov. 24 pending confirmation from New York State.
The commissioner announced that the District Attorney’s Quick Response Team (QRT) model, previously operating in Liberty and Fallsburg, is being expanded countywide. That expansion will operate as a countywide capability led by the DA and funded in part through the COSUP grant, while Liberty and Fallsburg police departments will continue part-time peer-supported QRT components for their towns.
Other program updates included continued work on 1115 waiver screenings to expand nonmedical supports (transportation, nutrition, housing, case management), ongoing rapid rehousing for three Sullivan families, a sixth-year partnership with Bethel Woods for creative art therapy for survivors, and warming-center plans for Liberty and Monticello tied to state 'code blue' temperature thresholds.
The commissioner described improved child-protective statistics and efforts to expedite permanency and foster-care processing, and noted temporary staffing issues in care management that have since been resolved. The county also reports a decline in overdose call responses since summer and plans for additional public engagement by the drug task force.