Bridging the gap: York County’s $125K boost for homeless aid

ALFRED, Maine — Agencies that aid homeless people in York County now have a new source of funds designed to provide a helping hand.

York County Manager Greg Zinser met with municipal managers, but there was little consensus on how best to help those without a roof over their heads. That led to discussions with the York County Homeless Response Hub — a group of social service agencies throughout the county — and a proposal.

The $125,000 will go toward helping with housing placement and diversion funding, which helps keep people in their homes.

According to Abigail Smallwood, the York County Homeless Hub Response coordinator, funding would initially be split between placement and diversion, tracked and assessed, and adjusted based on feedback and experience. The cap per household would be $2,000. In the proposal, Smallwood estimated at least 50 households could be served.

“Support would consist of a one-time payment that addresses the main issue preventing someone from being placed in housing or remaining in housing,” Smallwood said.

Diversion situations would be taken on a case-by-case basis and those, along with some placement expenses, would go through case conferencing.

The initial split offers $54,625 for placement and $54,625 for diversion, with $15,750 set aside for administrative costs.

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When possible, York County funds would supplement existing funding sources when those are inadequate. Smallwood said that while a number of resources are available, they often do not go far enough to cover the need. The county funding would cover the gap.

The funds would be administered by York County Community Action Corporation, and financial awards for placement and diversion would be tracked on the Homeless Management Information System.

Zinser told York County Commissioners May 15 that YCCAC would work with all area providers.

Commissioner Justin Chenette wondered if more people could be helped if all the funds were to go to placement rather than a combination of placement and diversion.

“I have no doubt the recommendation (from the Hub) is solid… but that would maximize reach,” he said.

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Zinser said a car repair that allows someone to go to work – and therefore keeps the roof over their head – is as critical as placement.

“If people lose their house, they lose a lot; it's more than one thing,” said Commissioner Richard Clark, adding keeping the diversion piece is important.

Zinser suggested letting the York County Homeless Response Hub know that commissioners would be amenable if some funding needs to be transferred between the two portions of the program.

“It gives them flexibility and assures us we’re helping as many people as possible,” said Chenette of that option. “I’m fine with that.”

The vote was unanimous.