RyeCity REVIEW THE
September 23, 2022 | Vol. 10, Number 38 | www.ryecityreview.com
Westchester leads in using funding to prevent homelessness ONE STEP BACK
Lyla Keenan goes up for a header against Albertus Magnus on Sept. 17, 2022. The Rye girls soccer team suffered its first setback on Saturday, when the Garnets fell to the unbeaten Falcons 3-0. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
County board celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month On Monday, the Westchester County Board of Legislators commemorated their annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with a virtual ceremony lauding the efforts of two Latina powerhouses: Martha Mercedes of Yonkers and Carola Otero Bracco of Mount Kisco. Board Chair Catherine Borgia welcomed everyone to the board’s annual observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, which officially begins on Thursday, Sept. 15 and runs until Oct. 15. She explained, “September 15th marks the date when five Latin American countries — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua — all earned their independence from Spain, followed by Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18. The month-long celebration continues with many types of festivities and celebrations, although the majority of Latin American countries actually commemorate their independence
on other dates throughout the year.” “This year’s theme, ‘Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,’ encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.” Majority Whip Jose Alvarado presented the first proclamation saying, “I am so pleased to recognize Martha Mercedes as an inspiration for the Hispanic community and to present her with this proclamation … Even with her busy career in the hotel industry, Martha still finds time to volunteer and work with the Park Hill community that she so loves. She has contributed and distributed toys and meals for needy families during the holidays, and in the midst of the pandemic, she volunteered giving out COVID tests at St. Bartholomew Church and donated 100 lunches cooked by her, and her husband, Martin, to Saint John’s Hospital. Martha has served for 15 years
on the Park Hill Residents Association as Treasurer. Between her professional accomplishments and her generous spirit, she is truly a mentor for the community.” Ms. Mercedes thanked Legislator Alvarado for the honor saying, “When deciding to move to Westchester 20 years ago, I chose the Park Hill area of Yonkers. Logistically, it was a great choice for my commute to work, but the diversity of the different cultures is what most attracted me to the community … Service to the Hispanic and other minority communities has always been something have I believed in”. “As a Latina who came from humble beginnings and who worked diligently in the corporate world -- where there were little opportunities for Latinos and fewer for women -- I have tried to give back. Throughout my career of over 50 years as
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Westchester County is leading all counties in New York in using a new American Rescue Plan program to keep our most vulnerable families and individuals from homelessness. Westchester has helped nearly 200 individuals and families find leases for permanent homes through the federal Emergency Housing Voucher program. That’s more than any other county in the state, including all of New York City. Since the program got underway last November, 195 Westchester households have moved in to permanent housing or are scheduled to move in by September 1. County Executive George Latimer said: “ When the COVID pandemic hit, we had grave concerns about its impact on people being able to stay in their homes, especially those who are most vulnerable. By staying ahead of the curve and using all available resources to keep people from homelessness, we’re not only preventing human tragedy for those individuals and families, but we’re reducing the social and economic costs of homelessness for everyone in Westchester.” Westchester’s success is a result of diligent advanced planning by the county’s Department of Social Services and the county’s partner in the program, Westhab. And the county’s proactive response to processing applications has put Westchester in a position to help even more people than anticipated as additional federal application slots become available. There are currently 76 additional referrals completed on the waitlist just in case more applications become available. Department of Social Services
Commissioner Leonard G. Townes said: “When we got word that this program was being discussed in Congress, we didn’t wait. Even before it was passed we had selected a partner, began developing criteria for those who might qualify, and worked to identify people who could be helped by the program as well as landlords who would be interested in leases. When final approvals came, we were able to hit the ground running. This is a program that focuses on people most at risk of homelessness and in need of safe, stable homes like domestic violence survivors. For them, time is of the essence, and so it was for us as well.” Latimer said: “In the end, government programs are only as good as our ability to execute on them. I want to thank Commissioner Townes and the staff at DSS and Westhab for their example of proactive leadership in leveraging federal funds to help County residents most in need of help.” The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program is available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). It focuses on individuals and families who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness, fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, or were recently homeless or have a high risk of housing instability. Participants live in housing of their choice while paying approximately 30 percent of their monthly income on rent. The remaining rent is paid directly to landlords through the voucher program, which protects landlords by ensuring payment of that portion of the rent.