Save the Date! Westchester County Continuum of Care 2026 Annual Meeting

Join us on December 16, 2026, for the Annual Continuum of Care (CoC) Meeting. This annual gathering provides an opportunity for CoC members, community partners, and stakeholders to come together to discuss shared priorities, strengthen collaboration, and support ongoing efforts to address homelessness in our community.

Date: December 16, 2026

Click the link below to register and reserve your spot. We look forward to seeing you!

Westchester CoC Congratulates Cynthia Knox and Carla Rae Johnson

The Westchester Continuum of Care is delighted to congratulate Cynthia Knox and her spouse, Carla Rae Johnson, on being honored by The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center at its upcoming 2026 Celebration.

Both women have made lasting contributions to the Westchester community through their leadership, advocacy, and dedication to others.

As CEO of Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP), Cynthia has been a passionate advocate for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and other challenges. Carla is an accomplished artist, educator, and activist whose work has enriched the cultural and civic life of the Hudson Valley.

Their shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and strengthening our communities is truly worth celebrating.

We are grateful for all they contribute to Westchester County and extend our warmest congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Upcoming Event: 9th Judicial District Resource Job Fair

The 9th Judicial District Equal Justice in the Courts Committee, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Labor and the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission, will host its inaugural Resource Job Fair.

Attendees are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes for review. The event will also offer complimentary professional headshots and light refreshments.

Date: November 20th 2026

Time: 11:00am-3:00pm

Location: One Larkin Center, Yonkers, NY 10701

Info Session: Suicide Risk & Prevention

The Westchester County Continuum of Care partnership to end homelessness invite you to join us for an upcoming Suicide Risk & Prevention Information Session for Shelter & Housing Providers on November 10 at 2:00 PM.

This session will provide an opportunity for shelter and housing professionals to strengthen their understanding of suicide risk and prevention and learn how to better support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

We encourage all shelter and housing staff to participate in this important learning opportunity.

Info Session: Navigating the Legal System and Community Support Services

Legal Hand is a local, free resource that can assist with housing, public benefits, family matters and more.

Please join us to learn more about navigating the legal system and community support services.

When: October 27th 2026 at 10:00am-11:00am

Where: Webex

First-Time Homebuyer Orientation – Community Housing Innovations

Community Housing Innovations (CHI), in partnership with Chase bank, is hosting a First-Time Homebuyer Orientation for individuals and families interested in learning more about the homebuying process.

The session will cover Fair Housing Laws, an overview of the Grant Program, and the Grant Application Process, providing prospective homebuyers with helpful information and resources as they prepare for homeownership.

When: Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 6:00–7:30 PM
Where: Chase Mt. Vernon Branch, 22 W. 1st Street, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550

Registration is required.

Tenants Rights in Action: Practical tools for direct service staff

Join us for an interactive Tenants Rights Workshop designed specifically for direct service staff working with clients in various housing programs.

This training will help staff:

• Understand key tenants rights and protections

• Recognize common landlord-tenant issues and potential violations

• Identify when a client may need legal assistance

• Support clients in addressing housing concerns

• Strengthen your toolkit for promoting housing stability and preventing displacement

Date: October 22nd 2026

Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm

Mode: Webex

Hosted by the Westchester County Continuum of Care Partnership to End Homelessness and the Hudson Valley Justice Center.

Westchester County DCMH and Westchester County DSS Information Sessions

The Westchester Continuum of Care (WCoC) will host two separate information sessions for WCoC providers and community partners.

Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) will host one session focused on its programs, services, and resources available to individuals and families in Westchester County.

Westchester County Department of Social Services (DSS) will host a separate session highlighting its programs, services, and resources, with an opportunity for participants to learn more about DSS processes and available supports.

These sessions are intended to provide community partners with information directly from County departments and an opportunity to ask questions and strengthen coordination and collaboration.

Session details and registration information are provided below.

Project-Based Voucher Program Waiting List Opens for Elderly Applicants

CVR New York will be accepting applications for the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program at the following developments designated for elderly applicants age 62 and older:

• Mount Vernon: Grace Terrace, 125 S. 5th Avenue

• New Rochelle: Maple Center, 35 Maple Avenue

• Peekskill: Peekskill Plaza, 901 Main Street; Wesley Apartments, 801 South Street

• Sleepy Hollow: Sleepy Hollow Senior Housing, 124 Valley Street

• Tarrytown: 62 Main Street, 10 Windle Park

• White Plains: Kingsley House, 41 Barker Avenue

• Yonkers: Finian Sullivan Tower, 1 Fr. Finian Sullivan Drive

Waiting List Opening:
September 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. through October 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Important: Only the site-based PBV waiting lists for elderly applicants are opening at this time. The waiting lists for tenant-based Housing Choice Vouchers and non-elderly PBV developments will remain closed.

Westchester Residential Opportunities and New York State Division of Human Rights Presents: Rent Support is Not a Red Flag

Please join us to learn about your rights and available housing protections!

With Westchester Residential Opportunities support, the NYS Division of Human Rights and Human Rights Law will discuss:

• Overview of the Division of Human Rights and Human Rights Law

• Source of Income Protections available

• New Section 8 Early Intervention Unit

Volunteer New York! 9/11 Days of Service

Volunteer New York! is once again hosting 9/11 community-wide days of service on Thursday, September 10. Their mission is to mobilize the community to address its greatest challenges.

This year, as we mark the 25th anniversary of that tragic day, they do so with renewed commitment to community with multiple opportunities to give back and connect with others.  

Free Head Start Preschool for Eligible Westchester County Families

Open Door Care Network (ODCN) and Family Services of Westchester (FSW) offer free, high-quality Head Start preschool programming for eligible Westchester County families with children ages 3–5.

Head Start provides engaging indoor and outdoor learning opportunities, healthy and nutritious meals and snacks, caring and well-trained staff, up-to-date educational materials, and support tailored to each child’s individual needs. Families can also access resources and workshops, as well as health, dental, and wellness screenings and services.

Head Start locations are available in Mount Kisco, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Port Chester, White Plains, and Yonkers.

FY2026 Continuum of Care NOFO vacated by Federal District Court

On Friday August 7, The District Court of Rhode Island issued summary judgment in the lawsuit filed by the National Alliance to End Homelessness against HUD regarding the FY 2026 Continuum of Care NOFO. The FY2026 NOFO and its deadlines are vacated in full.

HUD has appealed this decision on Thursday August 13, and asked for an emergency stay of the ruling as the appeal proceeds. The district court has denied the motion to stay.

This page will be updated as new developments occur.

Yonkers Community Action Program: Rental Assistance

Rental & Utility Assistance Available

Yonkers Community Action Program has recently received funding to provide rental and utility assistance to up to 20 households throughout the county.

Eligible households may receive:

• Up to $2,000 in rental assistance

• Up to $500 in utility assistance

• Minimal eligibility requirements

Required Documentation:

• Proof of address

• Proof of income

• Valid photo ID

• Rent arrears letter or rental ledger

Please see below flyer for additional program details.

Workshop Alert: Financial Workshop

Westchester Jewish Community Services and Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center Presents: Financial Workshop.

Join us for an interactive financial empowerment workshop designed to help participants gain clarity, confidence, and control over their money. This session is practical, judgement-free, and accessible for all experience levels.

Free Summer Meals For Kids

School’s out but summer meals are in!  

Any child or teen 18 and under in New York can get free, healthy breakfast and lunch on weekdays through the Summer Meals NY program.

No registration, ID, or application is required.

Program runs from June 29 through September 4. Breakfast is served from 8:00 AM to 9:15 AM and lunch from 11:00 AM  to 1:15PM

Click below for Westchester Locations (Pg. 37-38)

Q&A for 2026 CoC local RFI available for download

Compiled Questions and Answers emailed concerning the 2026 RFI may be downloaded using this link.

Request For Information (RFI) from eligible partner agencies for the FY2026 CoC Program Competition

The Westchester County CoC is soliciting Requests For Information (RFIs) from eligible partner agencies to be included as subrecipient providers in the application to HUD for

·         Transitional Housing (TH) projects, which may be awarded by HUD through the FY2026 Continuum of Care (CoC) Program competition. Proposals due July 15.

·         Supportive Services Only (SSO) projects, which may be awarded by HUD through the FY2026 Continuum of Care (CoC) Program competition. Proposals due July 15.

A portion of both TH and SSO project funding will be used for proposals for projects dedicated to serve Survivors of Domestic Violence (DV).

RFI documents are available here:

https://www.wcochomeless.org/fy2026applicationsearly#localRFIdocs

HUD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FY2026 released June 1, 2026

Use this link to download the new CoC NOFO from grants.gov:

https://files.simpler.grants.gov/opportunities/18c6dc79-e5dd-42e9-aca5-b35c5d26eded/attachments/0ead4b33-e9a1-4934-92b3-65ed41847905/Foa_Content_of_CPD-2600-DC-0025.pdf

The Westchester CoC FY2026 CoC Application page is here:

https://www.wcochomeless.org/fy2026applications

Westchester County CoC Presents: Sustaining the Work: Understanding Vicarious Trauma

Please join us for a conversation focused on understanding vicarious trauma, preventing burnout, and strengthening staff wellness and resilience while continuing to compassionately support individuals experiencing homelessness.

Presented by: Dr. Andrew Bell, Ph.D.

This training will focus on:

• Understanding the impacts of vicarious trauma

• Preventing burnout and compassion fatigue

• Practicing sustainable self-care and reflection

• Strengthening equitable and trauma-informed service delivery

  Date & Time: June 16th 2026 from 2:00pm-4:00pm

  Location: Webex