Homeless Prevention

The Snow Belt Homelessness Prevention Program provides a coordinated and community-wide approach to ending homelessness by providing Lewis County residents with funding to rehouse homeless individuals and families and promote community resources programs that improve self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Rapid Rehousing (RR) services are offered to those experiencing a period of literal homelessness (HUD Definition). These services assist individuals and families with finding, obtaining, and maintaining permanent, safe, and affordable housing.

The Homeless Prevention Program is not just about providing a roof over someone’s head. Its primary benefits extend far beyond that, including referrals to specialized treatment centers, critical needs assistance (food, clothing, etc.), information and referrals to community supports that help prevent future periods of homelessness (employment, education, advocacy, etc.), emergent financial assistance for temporary housing/shelter services, connection to ongoing affordable rental assistance programs, security deposit payments, utility deposit payments, moving costs and/or rental arrears.

Funding for Rapid Rehousing (“RR”) services rendered under the Snow Belt Homeless Prevention Program is provided by:

New York State Office of Temporary Disability (“OTDA”) – Solutions to End Homelessness Program (STEHP) Federal Emergency Services Grant (“ESG”)
Development Authority of the North Country (“DANC”) – HOME Investment Partnership Program American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“HOME ARP”); and
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care Program Grant (“HUD CoC”) – via the Points North Housing Coalition (the local Continuum of Care for Jefferson Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties (NY-522)). RR service only.

ESG, DANC, and HUD CoC are grant programs that provide capital to state and local governments for emergency housing support services. Funding from these resources assists nonprofit organizations with the costs associated with operating programs that provide comprehensive supportive services aimed at housing stabilization.

Application Process

Step 1: Complete Pre-Application Information

How? Fill out demographic information, contact information and answer questions about the service you are looking for.
Why? Completing STEP 1 will allow you to prequalify for services without having to supply all of the verification documents, will secure your place on our waitlist based on the date you submit the information and allow you to ask any specific questions you have regarding services you are applying for.

Please Submit The online form for automatic submission. “OR” you can download a hard copy of the application and email it to information@snowbelt.org or mail it to Snow Belt Housing Inc. 7500 South State Street, Lowville, NY 13367