Nassau County DSS operates a right-to-shelter system providing emergency placement within twenty-four hours for eligible homeless families and adults. Nonprofits including the INN, Family Service League, and Long Island Council of Churches operate transitional and bridge housing programs across the county.
Under the New York State Constitution Article XVII and the Callahan v. Carey consent decree extended through state policy, Nassau County DSS must provide emergency shelter to any eligible homeless adult or family within 24 hours of intake. Nassau emergency placements use motels, transitional family residences, and DSS-operated shelters. Bridge-housing capacity is run by The INN in Hempstead, Family Service League across Long Island, the Long Island Council of Churches CoC partners, and Concern for Independent Living. Beds in church-run cold-weather warming shelters expand from November through April. Coordinated entry through LICH connects clients to permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing.
Failure to provide emergency shelter within 24 hours of an eligible request can be challenged in NY Supreme Court Article 78 proceedings, with mandamus orders compelling placement and possible attorney-fee recovery for prevailing tenants.
Nassau County, NY
Nassau County has no general sit-lie ordinance, but several incorporated villages and the City of Long Beach prohibit obstructing sidewalks, sleeping in tran...
Nassau County, NY
Nassau County coordinates encampment sanitation through DSS, NCDPW, and the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. Outreach precedes any cleanup, personal b...
See how Nassau County's bridge housing siting rules stack up against other locations.
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