Controversies and decisions around $13 million Homeless Shelter in Poughkeepsie

A $13 million homeless shelter in Poughkeepsie capable of housing 99 people is now approved after long debates around the project. The Shelter will be located on 26 Oakley Street, roughly 2 miles from the Marist University Campus. 

What was previously a mental health treatment and rehabilitation program is now being called the “Homeless Outreach & Program Engagement,” HOPE for short, and sparked controversies around the location and placement of such initiatives. 

The City of Poughkeepsie has argued that the area around this newest location is already strongly affected by the housing crisis with many people struggling to find permanent housing. Placing yet another shelter in this specific area could, according to the city, further worsen homelessness. 

Together with two Northside residents, the City of Poughkeepsie sued Dutchess County over the location of the new shelter. In court, another argument was that the building of this shelter would reinforce existing poverty and racial segregation. 

Reasons for not moving the location of the shelter to a different city or area had to do with funding. The $13 million grant is tied to the specific location on 16 Oakley street, making it impossible to change the location now. Dutchess County Executive, Sue Senrio said: “I’m not going to throw away a $13 million grant that’s going to help folks.”

In an attempt to acknowledge the existing concerns, the city and county agreed on a strategy and plans have been brought forward to lessen the impact on the community. During a so-called “sunset period” the HOPE Center will serve both adult men and women.

After the sunset period in 2031, the shelter is supposed to transition to a single women and/or family shelter. The agreement further states that after this new building, no new shelter can be built in the City of Poughkeepsie for 25 years. 

Furthermore, the property will be equipped with 24/7 security cameras and enhanced lighting. A curfew is also planned to be implemented, lasting from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. 

Senrio said: “With a clear path ahead, we can move forward to construct the HOPE Center and provide a structured, supportive pathway out of homelessness for our neighbors in need.” 

Marist University is located 9 minutes by car or 40 minutes by foot away from the location. “The surrounding community can have the confidence to know that we will be a good neighbor, prioritizing both compassion and community safety,” said Serino.