POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County, in partnership with United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s 211 information line, is now providing eviction prevention services to county residents in jeopardy of losing their current housing.
The service now has customized information on available eviction prevention funding.
County Executive Marcus Molinaro highlighted this new Eviction Prevention Line during his 2021 State of the County Address.
Dutchess County residents needing information about resources to help them avert eviction can call 211, or alternatively, 1-800-899-1479; choose to continue in English or Spanish; and press 7 to select the Dutchess Eviction Prevention Line.
Specially trained 211 staff ask tenants a series of questions and then provide them with a customized list of programs the tenant appears eligible for based on the information provided.
Staff will also refer tenants to Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, as appropriate.
There is also an online tool, with which residents can answer the questions and receive a call back from 211 with their customized resources.
“A home is more than four walls – it’s a place where dreams are born and a sense of safety is fostered – and we all deserve a safe, stable home in which to grow and prosper,” Molinaro said. “Long before COVID-19 touched our community, Dutchess County had worked to ensure residents in need were able to remain in their homes, and struggles brought on by the pandemic have only strengthened our resolve to create solutions for those facing housing instability.”
The Eviction Prevention Line is being paid for by the federal Emergency Solutions Grant-Coronavirus fund provided to Dutchess County through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The program is a collaboration of Dutchess County’s Departments of Community & Family Services and Planning & Development and United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region.
