MIDDLETOWN, NY — Committed to reducing homelessness in the Hudson Valley, HONOR has announced an expanded outreach effort that will provide housing to otherwise homeless individuals across Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Dutchess counties.

HONOR, the nonprofit organization and social service leader in housing and homeless services in New York’s Hudson Valley region, is partnering with property managers and realtor groups such as the Gibbs team at Keller Williams Hudson Valley United to identify affordable housing for homeless men and women.  HONOR will rent and manage up to 50 apartments on behalf of individuals in the program. “We realize the challenges of affordable housing in the Hudson Valley  region is compounded by economics, disabilities and health challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness,” said Chris Molinelli, Executive Director of HONOR. “With the support of local property managers, landlords and the real estate community, we can literally take people off the streets and secure them into a furnished home, while providing services to build independence and sustainability,” he added. 

The Gibbs team at Keller Williams Hudson Valley United is the first community collaborator with HONOR’s Housing First initiative.  “We are thrilled to partner with HONOR on this regional effort,” said Matt Gibbs, owner of the Gibbs team.  “It is a win-win-win proposition: providing steps toward independence for an individual, providing actionable steps to reduce homelessness in the Hudson Valley, while providing a risk-free, guaranteed rental income for property owners,” he added.

The Gibbs team is tapping into their network and introducing colleagues to the Housing First program. “We know all too well of the burdens placed on landlords and property managers and can confidently communicate the benefits and features of the Housing First program,” he said.  According to Gibbs, their corporate goal is connecting property owners to HONOR, who will manage the lease on behalf of individuals in the program.  “Each and every person who securely leaves the street for sustainable housing will be a victory for all of us at Keller Williams.”

Housing First, a program funded by the NYS Office of Mental Health, is aimed to eliminate homelessness.  Implemented nationally, the Housing First model has successfully resulted in reducing long-term homelessness, while providing stability people need to thrive.  Locally, HONOR will secure housing for individuals while providing support services.  Those services are intended to improve quality of life in physical and mental health, substance abuse and employment.  To learn more about Housing First visit www.endhomelessness.org.

How the public can help:

The public is invited to help by connecting HONOR with anyone who may know of openings in apartment buildings or know someone who is moving out.  Share this opportunity through your conversations, in social media groups, and neighborhood connections.  The Housing First program provides terms and conditions that provide stable monthly income, and flexibility in longer-term lease agreements. For more information about Housing First, please Edwin Leon at Eleon@honorehg.org or call 845.457.6320.

To learn more about HONOR, visit www.honorhelpingothers.org.