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Residents and advocates urge Suffolk County to expand housing supports as shelters strain
Summary
Multiple public speakers told the Legislature that shelters and Department of Social Services responses are inadequate amid rising homelessness, cited high emergency housing costs, and urged new models and clearer use of opioid‑settlement funds to support services.
Speakers at the Suffolk County Legislature’s July 30 public portion urged urgent action on homelessness, criticized Department of Social Services (DSS) responsiveness, and called for new approaches to permanent supportive housing.
Advocates and service providers described a system stretched thin. Lisa Sevimli said families are renting campers and staying in parks while emergency hotel placements average thousands per month; she urged county investment and exploration of pilot programs like Denver’s basic income experiments that provide…
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