The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded Rapid Rehousing Program funding to the YWCA of Genesee County and Independent Living of the Genesee Region, empowering the organizations to expand critical housing services in the area. The funding will allow both agencies to place individuals and families experiencing homelessness into housing and provide ongoing supportive services.
The YWCA of Genesee County was newly awarded $557,240 and Independent Living received an expansion grant of $553,892 increasing their funding from the previous year. These funds are meant to be renewable each year.
The grants are part of HUD’s Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which supports a GOW county-wide commitment to ending homelessness. Rapid Rehousing is a proven, evidence-based strategy, and this funding from HUD will enable us to move more families and individuals from the streets and shelters into safe, stable homes.The Rapid Rehousing program at the YWCA of Genesee County provides temporary rental assistance and care management to assist people fleeing domestic violence; helping them to locate and maintain safe housing. Supportive services are tailored to each family’s needs and may include employment services, childcare, and connections to healthcare.
The Rapid Rehousing program at Independent Living also provides rental assistance to people who meet eligibility requirements according to HUD guidelines. The individual screening process includes a vulnerability survey, income verification, and information about where they are staying.
“The YWCA is deeply honored to receive this federal investment in our community,” said Jamie Beedham Rada, Executive Director of the YWCA of Genesee County. “For many of the individuals and families we serve—especially those fleeing domestic violence—safe housing is the first step toward healing. Through our Rapid Rehousing program, we not only help survivors secure a roof over their heads, but we walk alongside them as they rebuild their lives. That means connecting them to employment, financial literacy, childcare, mental health services, and long-term stability supports. This funding allows us to strengthen those wraparound services and ensure that every person has the chance to live free from fear and full of hope.”
Rae Frank, Director at Independent Living stated, “This grant will significantly expand our capacity to help our most vulnerable neighbors. By combining rental assistance with individualized support, we can help people not only find a home but also build a foundation for long-term stability.” The joint effort between these agencies will enhance coordination and efficiency in addressing the local housing crisis.
The funding comes at a critical time, as the community faces rising housing costs, and increased need for services. During this critical time of the federal government shutdown, the Continuum of Care membership, and the community as a whole has been asked to advocate for the continuation of Rapid Rehousing funding. Recent new proposed guidelines by the administration at HUD may threaten the continuation of this funding.
If you would like more information on how to advocate for the Rapid Rehousing program you may review the Homeless Alliance of WNY website at https://wnyhomeless.org or contact Rebecca Batt, Program Specialist at Independent Living at rbatt@wnyil.org. You may want to reach out to your congressional representative if you are concerned about losing these resources in our community.