Montefiore New Rochelle has pledged a $25,000 grant to HOPE Community Services to help combat homelessness in the City of New Rochelle.  The program will provide a safe haven where homeless individuals will be protected from the elements while receiving counseling and referral services. The funds will support the 24-hour Homeless Resource Center and make possible the hiring of a housing counselor who will work with the homeless in finding housing, employment opportunities and other resources.

"Montefiore New Rochelle is excited to join the City of New Rochelle, HOPE Community Services and other community organizations to serve our homeless population and provide the services they need to become vibrant members of our community," said Anthony Alfano, executive director of Montefiore New Rochelle. "We stand with our partners to offer financial support to our community while at the same time, providing the highest quality of care to our patients and their families."

There has been a significant increase in the number of homeless people in New Rochelle and the region and the program's goal is to identify housing for 25-50 percent of these individuals in the first year of operation. Numbers have risen from 82 in January, 2012 to 130 seeking shelter in December, 2013. If the current trends continue, it is projected that this winter will experience the largest numbers of homeless in the southern Westchester region to date.

"HOPE Community Services is pleased and grateful to be partnering with the City of New Rochelle and Montefiore New Rochelle to help solve homelessness in New Rochelle," said Carole Troum, executive director of HOPE Community Services.  "The Homeless Resource Program (HRC) has grown from 12 clients in its first week in September to 36 individuals this week.  To date we have housed 15 formally homeless individuals through the HRC Program with another two pending.  We expect as the weather grows colder more homeless individuals will seek help from the program.  We welcome the opportunity to house or assist as many people as possible."