Chautauqua County is looking into dipping into its reserves to cover higher than expected expenses for those in emergency need, including providing temporary housing.

On Wednesday, the legislature will vote on a resolution to transfer $1.5 million from its unassigned fund balance to pay for safety net costs. The resolution also includes another $1 million coming from other areas, including the state and federal government.

Dianna Songer, deputy director of finance for Human Services, said these increases are needed due to economic trends, adding it’s uncertain if this will cover it all. “These are mandated services. They are difficult to predict so we may need to do an additional amendment at year end if trends change again,” she said during the legislature’s Audit and Control Committee meeting.

Carmelo Hernandez, commissioner of Mental Hygiene Social Services, said the lack of affordable housing stock is the main driver, causing more people to need assistance. “In 2019 before COVID, we were at 1,100 cases. Then it decreased in 2021 to 700 cases. As of July, 2024, we’re already at 1,200,” he said.

Songer said at the beginning of the year, they budgeted $4.1 million for safety net costs. Now they project those costs are going to be around $5.7 million.

Jon Anderson, deputy commissioner of Social Services, said the safety net includes shelter allowance, a heating allowance, and a basic needs allowance. “The shelter allowance is fairly minimal so a lot of people aren’t able to progress out of emergency shelter into longer term stable housing,” he said.

According to Anderson, a safety net allowance for a family of four is $745 a month. With children, it increases to $823.

Anderson was asked that if safety net funds are available, why are there homeless people? He responded that because the allowance is so low, it’s difficult to find a location. “The shelter allowance has not increased in a couple of decades,” Anderson said.

Also, he said, during the pandemic, there was a moratorium on eviction notices or increasing rent costs. That moratorium has expired, rents went up so many people who are homeless were likely evicted and can’t find another permanent residence.

According to Hernandez, 74% of all their safety net costs are spent on temporary housing.

Both the Audit and Control, and Human Services committees voted in favor of transferring the money. On Wednesday, the full legislature must vote to give final approval.