Chautauqua County is taking a new approach to addressing homelessness through the launch of the Family-Centered Case Management Initiative, a program funded by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

The initiative is an effort to integrate Chautauqua County’s Department of Mental Hygiene and Department of Social Services into a unified system, providing targeted, wraparound support for families experiencing homelessness.

The FCCM team, which is already operational, is assisting 50 families in temporary housing. The number fluctuates daily as new families qualify for Temporary Assistance and Temporary Housing Assistance. Caseworkers notify the FCCM team when a family enters temporary housing, ensuring they are immediately connected to specialized support services.

“This initiative is the first of its kind in Chautauqua County, demonstrating the true power of integrating mental hygiene and social services,” said Carmelo Hernandez, county director of community mental hygiene services and commissioner of social services. “By combining resources and expertise, we are ensuring that families facing homelessness receive not only housing support but also access to mental health services, peer advocacy, and long-term case management–critical elements in breaking the cycle of instability.”

Under this OTDA-funded initiative, a team of case managers and senior caseworkers work directly with families placed in temporary housing. Their role is to assess each family’s needs, remove barriers to stability and connect them with vital community resources, including mental health and substance use services, employment and financial stability programs, long-term housing assistance, child care and transportation support.

Each family receives an individualized case management plan, ensuring that services are tailored to their specific challenges. The program is designed to provide ongoing support with regular follow-ups to track progress and re-engage families as needed. This initiative aligns with the Chautauqua County Executive’s strategy to address the growing number of unhoused individuals and families by providing not just temporary relief but a sustainable path to stability.

The county is working closely with local service providers and community organizations to ensure a coordinated response that maximizes available resources. This initiative is also aligned with the state’s broader goal of strengthening family-centered services and reducing homelessness across New York.