Shelter for Homeless Youth Receives Grant

NEWBURGH – Only a day after announcing an investment for a homeless youth shelter in Orange County, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) announced another federal investment of $136,814 for Green Chimneys Children’s Services, a Hudson Valley nonprofit that provides help to runaway and homeless youth. The investment, made through the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, will fund the shelter’s transitional living program for homeless youth.

“As a father of three, it’s hard to imagine any child sleeping without a roof over their head or feeling like they don’t have a safe place to go,” said Rep. Maloney. “As a community, we have to commit to finding safe places for homeless youth in the Hudson Valley, and this investment will help Green Chimneys get that done.”

“Green Chimneys is thrilled to receive federal funding for our  Putnam County, New York Transitional Living Program through the Administration for Children and Families,” said Kristin Dionne, Director of Green Chimneys. “This funding is vital for us to continue to serve runaway, homeless and at-risk youth. We thank Congressman Maloney for his support in addressing the needs of vulnerable youth in our district and look forward to working on making this a safe, supportive community for all youth.”

Green Chimneys currently serves about 200 children, the majority of whom are runaway, homeless, and street youth in crisis in Putnam County. Through their community based services, the organization offers a variety of programs that promote positive development, healthy choices, and effective family communication. Support programs dedicated to LGBTQ youth who are homeless include residential services and career training to provide resources and develop vital skills to help them enter adulthood as healthy, responsible members of their communities. Ultimately, the organization’s goal is to reunite the child with their family and avoid juvenile detention, foster care, or mental health facilities.

Founded in 1947, Green Chimneys is a multi-faceted nonprofit organization helping young people to maximize their full potential by providing residential, educational, clinical, and recreational services, in a safe and supportive environment that nurtures connections with their families, the community, animals and nature. They are headquartered on a farm and wildlife center in Brewster, N.Y. and are continually recognized as a leader in the industry for their efforts.