Emergency shelter

Located at Hillcrest in Poughkeepsie, May’s House provides 31 units of emergency housing for single adults experiencing homelessness in Dutchess County. Guests receive immediate shelter along with one-on-one care management focused on securing permanent housing and addressing the challenges that led to homelessness. Support may include connections to healthcare, benefits, workforce development, and educational services.

As the entry point to HRH’s continuum of care, many residents transition from May’s House to Hillcrest House, where they continue working toward long-term stability, employment, and self-sufficiency.

Learn More about May’s House HERE.

Gannett House was established in 1984 and has since served as Dutchess County's primary provider of emergency housing and support services for homeless families. Gannett House initially began as a 19-unit emergency housing program but moved to a new location in 2003 to better meet the growing need for emergency shelter. Gannet House units accommodate families of up to 5 with an average occupancy of 2-3 individuals per unit. The units are fully furnished, well-maintained, and secured with 24-hour on-site staffing.

Gannett House is designed to provide safe emergency housing, while Care Managers work with homeless residents to address other critical needs and assist with long-term planning. Gannett House amenities include access to phone service, laundry facilities, community rooms, transportation, and 3 daily nutritious meals provided on-site. Meals are served in a remodeled congregate dining room where residents interact with one another in a clean and positive environment. Monthly meal plans are developed and approved by the Food Service Manager in accordance with nutritional guidelines. Food is laid out buffet style and served by staff in individual portions as selected by residents. Meals are provided at scheduled times, but arrangements can be made to hold meals or provide bag lunches for residents who are unable to eat at those times. Clients with special cultural/dietary needs are able to select foods they wish to eat from the menu. Alternate meals such as sandwiches are also available as needed.

This program offers emergency housing to families referred directly by Dutchess County’s Department of Community and Family Services. This program includes care management and counseling services specific for families experiencing homelessness, meal provisions, extra-curricular activities for children, and transportation. Each family enrolled in the program collaborates with a designated care manager to access community resources, facilitating their transition toward more stable housing.

River Haven is an emergency housing program that supports runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth under the age of 18 as they work towards safely reuniting with their families or accessing other secure housing. RH provides temporary emergency housing to up to 12 youth at a time. With round-the-clock support from our dedicated team of on-site staff, youth are guided through the development and implementation of an individualized service plan intended to help them overcome challenges, avoid harmful behaviors, and develop along a healthier trajectory toward becoming confident, emotionally strong, and responsible adults. While at River Haven, residents benefit from a comprehensive array of support services, including individual, group, and family counseling, coordinated assessment, and care management. Youth also have the chance to participate in enriching and recreational activities, such as service learning projects, assisting them in discovering constructive ways to spend their free time and avoid trouble. Since its establishment in 1980, River Haven has been successful in getting youth off the streets, out of dangerous situations, and into safe housing while establishing vital connections to community services and resources for ongoing support. By effectively mitigating the risks associated with homelessness, this program empowers youth to strive for stable, positive futures.