Mineola, N.Y.- Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi announced today a 5-year, $1.1 million grant to assist the homeless and those close to homelessness. The $218,927-per-year funding was awarded under the Homeless Intervention Program (HIP) by the NYS Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance, and could increase depending on annual performance. Joining the County Executive for the announcement was co-chair of the Homeless Task Force Connie Lassandro, Director of the Section 8 Housing in the Office of Housing and Intergovernmental Affairs, and other members of the Task Force.

"We are committed to addressing homelessness in Nassau County," said County Executive Suozzi. "This grant, along with the work of programs already in place, will help us respond to the real needs of the homeless."

Nassau's HIP funding will be used to provide supportive, empowerment-based case management services to families and individuals who are homeless or near homelessness. Emphasis will be placed on developing self-sufficiency and preventing additional homeless episodes through education, supportive counseling, and referral to other support services. Utilizing the 'single point of entry' approach, access to mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence and other social services in addition to temporary assistance (Food Stamps, Safety Net, ect.) and Medicaid programs will all be available to HIP clients on site at the County's Department of Social Services. The County's Office of Housing and Intergovernmental Affairs, Section 8 will provide overall supervision and administration of the project.

In addition to securing the HIP grant, the Homeless Task Force provided over 400 beds for the homeless, as well as transportation, from Jan 23, 2003 to March 31, 2003, at no cost to the County, through operation Warm Bed. Also, in July of this year, the County's Office of Veterans Affairs received a $300,000 federal grant to outreach to homeless veterans.

For more information on Nassau County's HIP program please contact Connie Lassandro at 516-571-0370.