In recognition of National Community Development Week, April 6 through April 10, Westchester County is highlighting a series of federal investments supporting housing stability, infrastructure improvements and community development projects across the County.
Through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Westchester County has recommended funding for Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs focused on homelessness prevention and shelter services, alongside Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) investments supporting municipal projects and community-based organizations.
For Fiscal Year 2025, the County was awarded $389,755 in ESG funding, including $360,523 for direct services and $29,232 for administrative costs. Following a competitive application process, $260,000 has been recommended to support homelessness prevention programs that help residents remain in their homes and avoid entering the shelter system.
Organizations selected for Homelessness Prevention funding include:
- Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) – $50,000
- CHOICE of New Rochelle – $60,000
- CLUSTER – $90,000
- Human Development Services of Westchester (HDSW) – $60,000
Additional funding will support improvements to emergency shelter and supplies. Two organizations received a combined total of $100,523 for these services.
Organizations receiving Emergency Shelter funding include:
- Lifting Up Westchester – $94,723
- Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) – $5,800
At the same time, the County is advancing Community Development Block Grant funding for Fiscal Year 2025 and recommending projects for Fiscal Year 2026 that will support local infrastructure, public facilities and housing improvements. Projects moving forward in FY2025 include sidewalk improvements, senior transportation vehicles, public facility upgrades and housing rehabilitation initiatives across multiple municipalities and nonprofit partners.
Proposed projects for FY2026 include park improvements, streetscape enhancements, senior center upgrades and additional housing and community facility investments that will further strengthen neighborhoods and expand access to critical services.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has also released preliminary Fiscal Year 2026 funding allocations for Westchester County, including $4,529,567 in Community Development Block Grant funding, $1,032,577.77 in HOME funding and $408,058 in Emergency Solutions Grant funding. These allocations represent a slight increase in HOME and ESG funding and a slight decrease in CDBG funding compared to Fiscal Year 2025.
The allocated amounts are pending formal acceptance of funds by the Westchester County Board of Legislators.
Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “Our work with both ESG and CDBG funding reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing community needs. We are supporting residents facing housing instability while also investing in the infrastructure and services that strengthen our municipalities. These recommendations represent a thoughtful and strategic use of federal resources to create lasting impact throughout Westchester County.”
The Emergency Solutions Grant and Community Development Block Grant programs are administered by the Westchester County Department of Planning and support a wide range of initiatives, including homelessness prevention, affordable housing, public infrastructure and community development projects.
These Funding recommendations still need federal approval, and the final amounts many change.
