Chatauqua County officials are launching a new program to address the ongoing housing crisis.

The Chautauqua County Department of Social Services has unveiled its Public Assistance Shelter Supplement initiative, which provides money for rent payments, enabling eligible recipients to secure and maintain affordable, permanent housing.

"As housing costs continue to rise, far too many of our residents - especially families with children - have found themselves without stable housing," Chatauqua County Commissioner of Social Services Carmelo Hernandez said. "This new program allows us to offer practical, long-term solutions that not only reduce the cost of emergency shelter placements but improve quality of life for our community’s most vulnerable."

Eligibility is determined based on public assistance status and current housing need. 

Funds are tailored to household size and fair market rent rates.

"This initiative is about more than cost savings—it’s about giving people a chance to build a better life," said Charlene Johnson, principal social welfare examiner with Chautauqua County DSS. "We’re using a ‘housing first’ approach, which means getting people into safe, stable homes first, and then supporting them with employment, health, and recovery goals."

If you'd like to see whether you're eligible, you can call the Chautauqua County Department of Social Services at (716) 661-8200 or visit chqgov.com.