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Dutchess County is leading New York State in addressing the homeless crisis, according to a report from the New York State Comptroller's Office. The report highlights that Dutchess County, including Poughkeepsie, experienced the lowest increase in homelessness from 2022 to 2024, with an 11 percent rise. In contrast, the statewide average increase was 113 percent. Neighboring counties such as Orange and Ulster saw increases of 130 percent and 51 percent, respectively.
Dutchess County attributes its success to a multifaceted approach that includes street outreach, extensive case management, and the recent addition of two licensed social workers. These social workers, who joined in December 2024, are part of the Dutchess County Department of Community & Family Services (DCFS) team. They provide mental health support, crisis intervention, and personalized care to help individuals secure housing and benefits.
County Executive Sue Serino emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach, stating, "Dutchess County has taken a multi-faceted approach to addressing homelessness, and the Comptroller’s report confirms that our efforts are making a real impact." The county's efforts have resulted in a 33 percent decline in the number of people housed at the PODS shelter from December 2023 to December 2024.
The report from the Comptroller's Office also noted that New York State has seen a significant increase in homelessness, driven largely by New York City and an influx of asylum seekers. Statewide, the homeless population more than doubled between January 2022 and January 2024. New York City accounted for 93 percent of the increase in the state's total homeless population.