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County leaders say HOME‑ARPA and DSS funds will help operate new wellness hub
Summary
Presenters told the board the county invested roughly $1.4–$1.5 million in HOME‑ARPA capital and that DSS per‑diem funds used for hotel placements would be redirected to support on‑site operations at the wellness hub, improving services without increasing net county spending.
A county representative told the board the county's initial HOME‑ARPA contribution — about $1.4–$1.5 million — was critical to getting the wellness hub project underway. The representative said much of the operational model depends on redirecting Department of Social Services funds that currently pay hotel per diems into on‑site operational contracts at the hub.
"We have we as the county have invested ARPA funds. We're getting other sources of funding for capital, and operational costs," the speaker told the board, describing a plan in which DSS payments that otherwise go to scattered hotel placements would instead pay for case management and on‑site services at the hub. Kevin O'Connor and Michelle Roberts both said capital commitments for housing are largely in place, while some final operating supports remain to be secured.
O'Connor said the project has operating support for the permanent housing component and is pursuing final capital through New York State Homes and Community Renewal and a Homeless Housing Assistance Program application due by the end of the month or early July. Presenters emphasized that the county's reallocation of existing DSS funds is intended to yield a more service‑rich model for clients and lower long‑term county costs compared with hotel placements.
