Utica, New York: The Utica Municipal Housing Authority (UMHA) announced today that it will begin the second year of its Homeless Street Outreach program to serve the City of Utica.
Funded by the City of Utica Emergency Solutions HUD grant in the amount of $21,249, the program is our area’s first homeless street outreach service. In 2019, the program served about 50 homeless persons. Through the AmeriCorps Housing Opportunity Center, the UMHA conducts street outreach targeted to areas known to have high numbers of homeless persons. Outreach teams travel to areas where people in need reside or congregate, such as encampments, under bridges, abandoned buildings, and will provide on-site services. Three AmeriCorps members will be assigned to the program.
The program helps street homeless persons to find emergency, transitional, and permanent housing, and apply for public housing and Section 8, obtain necessary benefit programs and services, and begin the path to self-sufficiency. As part of the intake process, the program assesses the client needs and develops a housing action plan. The program provides training in how to rent an apartment and maintain a harmonious and professional relationship with a landlord.
If you or someone you know is in need, the Utica Housing Authority can be contacted at 315-735-5246/315.735-3366, ext. 25 or cnyhirc@gmail.com. Staff can be reached 24 hours, seven days a week at 315.982.3731. Offices are located at Perretta Twin Towers, 509 2nd Street, Utica. All services are free and confidential.