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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11_Human Services_ Final 5-16 2019 RedLine Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update This document was prepared for the New York State Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund. Human Services DraftFinal August 10, 2012 Updated April May 2516, 2019 Human Services 1 Introduction and Background Human services is an all-encompassing term relating to helping and supporting citizens people so they canto enable them to live more satisfying, autonomous, and productive lives. This may include fulfilling basic needs such as food, housing and medical care, or providing greater opportunities to support achieving self-sufficiency. Whether through direct intervention with human services providers or through access to knowledge, resources, and programs, providing human services helps individuals, families, groups, and communities to address and/or better cope with economic, health, and social issues to promote their greater functioning within society. In addition to providing essential safety net services, human services fostering community responsibility and social equity,. Tthe provision of human services emphasizes the values of diversity and respect for people of different incomes, ages, abilities, races, ethnicities, and cultures. Local municipalities generally have a limited role in addressing human services needs assince they rely on a larger infrastructure of government (federal, state, and county) with enhanced funding to more efficiently and effectively provide services. In addition, pPrivate human services providers complement the efforts of government. The chapter will articulate services currently provided either directly by Southold Town or those provided by Suffolk County and private agencies; highlight unfulfilled needs that may need to be addressed in the future that are critical to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities in the Town of Southold; and assist the Town’s Human Services department with ongoing planning for coordinated and integrated services.[AG1] BACKGROUND In 1965, Congress enacted the Older Americans Act (OAA), which is considered the major vehicle for promoting the delivery of social services to the aging population. Its mission was broad: to help older people maintain maximum independence in their homes and communities and to promote a continuum of care for the vulnerable elderly. In successive amendments to the OAA, Congress authorized programs to respond to specific needs at the local level.” Community Focal Points” were designated as a central place for the development and delivery of social and nutritional services designed primarily for older persons. Southold Town has provided human services for over four decades. In response to theis federal legislation enactment of the Older Americans Act in 1965, the Southold Town Senior Nutrition Program was established in 1974 at San Simeon by the Sound. Since then the program has broadened its network of services to meet the increased needs. In 1993, the Town of Southold purchased the Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 2 Human Resource Center (HRC) and established the Southold Town Department of Human Services to serve as a Community Focal Point and to increase capacity for co-location and coordination of programs and services for town residents. In addition to the services provided directly at the HRC, the Center HRC serves the community as resource for all human services needs by providing coordination with other public and private agency programs and services (see Appendix 8 ___ for a list of services provided and coordinated). This chapter outlines the provision of services for tCurrently, residents belonging to the following categories are targeted for assistance through the human services goals and objectives of the Town: • Senior Citizens • Youth • Individuals with developmental disabilities • Individuals with behavioral health needs such as mental illness and/or substance abuse • Victims of domestic violence • Households experiencing poverty • Unemployed and underemployed • Medical and health services • Lack of access to healthcare • Underserved minorities who may lack resources or be discriminated against due to their minority status • Recreational programs • Housing The chapter will also articulate services currently provided either directly by the Town of Southold or those provided by Suffolk County and private agencies; highlight unfulfilled needs that may need to be addressed in the future that are critical to the well-being of individuals, families and communities in the Town of Southold and assist the Town’s Human Services department with ongoing planning for coordinated and integrated services. Through a series of stakeholder community interviews, the following human services needs were identified:  Transportation. The limited availability of public transportation impedes the ability of some residents to access services and programs.  Employment. Additional Eemployment opportunities are needed very limited for Town residents.  Budget cuts. The fiscal crisis facing federal, state, and county governments has negatively impacted human service provider budgets. This decrease in funding for human services has prompted some providers to charge a fee for services (or increase fees for services), affecting to many of the Town’s most vulnerable residents. Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 3  Housing. Housing is very expensive and remains completely out of reach for most citizens with or without human service needs.  Health care costs. Health care costs have sky-rocketed and policy changes to Medicare and Medicaid have impacted older and low-income residents. Many struggle to obtain accurate information regarding benefits, entitlements, and supportive services.  Lack of Spanish language resources. Despite the significant increase of the Latino population, many human service providers do not offer Spanish-speaking staff and/or resources.  Opportunities for youth activities. Youth need a multi-purpose gymnasium and swimming pool complex including a teen center for afterschool activities. In addition, youth reported that they would like the Town to consider creating a Youth Court in conjunction with the Southold Police Department. Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 4 Trends and Projections Increase in senior population Southold’s year-round population continues to age. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, seniors 60 years of age or over increased 3.5% percent over the decade and representing 1one in 3three people. Nationally one in eight Americans is over the age of 60. Outside of New York City, Suffolk County has the second- largest senior population in the state of New York. In 2010, 66% percent of all clients served by the Suffolk County Office for the Aging were 75 years of age or older. This population is most likely to have multiple and chronic health conditions and require a variety of services to remain safe and independent in the own homes. The growth of the senior population in Suffolk County and Southold Town has increased the demand for public and private community-based services by agingsenior services network providers on the East End. Increase in second homeowners The number of homes identified as second (not a primary residence) has increased. Many second homeowners will retire in the future and make the Town of Southold their primary residence, thereby increasing an the already aging population of year-round residents. Decline in school-aged children, The number of families with school-age children is declining. Increase in Hispanic population The Hispanic population increased from 982 to 2,382 according to the 2000 and 2010 Census data. This 142% percent increase will require bilingual languagedriven programs and services to assist this growing segment of the population. Decrease of funding from federal, state, and county governments As governments must do more with less, there is less funding is available for human services programs and resources. Increase in requests for food stamp assistance From 2007 to 2012, Suffolk County has witnessed an increase of 168% percent for households seeking assistance from the food stamp program, causing delays in processing. Decrease in household income When adjusting for inflation over the past two decades, median household income increased in five hamlets (Cutchogue, Greenport West, Laurel, Mattituck, and Southold)., hHowever, the median household income actually decreased in the other half of the Town, including East Marion, Fishers Island, New Suffolk, Orient, and Peconic. While the price of other Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 5 goods, – namely housing, fuel, and groceries, – has been steadily increaseding, income levels have not been able to keep up. Decrease in childcare subsidies Subsidized childcare was a hallmark of “welfare reform” to help get parents back to work. Funding went from the federal to the state to the county governments to provide subsidies for childcare/daycare. Due to significant funding cuts, Suffolk County continues to has changed eligibility requirements, making it far more difficultstricter to access payments as parents now must be at or below the federal poverty line. This harsh measure is counterproductive in assisting households nearing the poverty level as heads of households frequently cannot work without this assistance. Increase in incidents of domestic violence In addition to a correlation with substance abuse, incidents of domestic violence are exacerbated by diminisheding economic opportunities. The East End’s only provider of domestic violence services, the Retreat, reporteds in 2012 a significant increase of calls for assistance on its multilingual hotline (2012). Funding for Human Services The Town receives funding from various revenue sources to support human services (see Appendix 8 for detailed list of funding sources and services). It is important to note that there is a trend for diminished funding for human services programs. Human Service Needs of Residents There is aare myriad of human services needs for the residents of Southold. Fortunately, many of these needs are currently addressed by existing town and county programs as well as resources offered byfrom private providers (hospitals) and non-profits. Because of Suffolk County’s fiscal crisis, it is probable that funds to aid human services needs will continue to diminish to aid human service needs. Despite this reduced funding, the Town, will continue to creatively and effectively deliver programs and services to address human services needs. Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 6 Goals 1. Services for Seniors Senior citizens make up a comprise a major part ofcohort within the population of the Town of Southold and are valuable assets for the Town’s growth and stability. Seniors are known for supporting local businesses and they provide a valuable contributions inby volunteering their time and expertise towards Ttown Ccommittees and non-profits services. To meet the needs of its citizens, the Town will continue to fund its rich array of programs and resources for seniors (see Appendix ___ for details) as well as seek to improve their lives through additional resources (see Appendix 8 for details). 1.1 Sustain services for seniors Objectives 1) Continue to provide the following programs for seniors through the Town’s Human Services Department: a. home-delivered meals b. congregate meals c. case management d. residential repair e. transportation for shopping and social events f. medical transportation g. entitlement counseling h. wellness education i. telephone reassurance to homebound j. Caregiver support groups and counseling 2) Continue to provide social model (i.e., non-medical) adult day care services at Katinka House. 3) Support the medical model of adult day cares services at San Simeon by the Sound. 4) Sustain the Town’s collaboration with Eastern Long Island’s Geriatric Center of Excellence as well asand Suffolk County’s New York Connects Program to promote availability of information and resources to benefit seniors. 5) Continue to provide part-time services to seniors living on Fishers Island. 6) Continue community outreach regarding vouchers for seniors to enable them to meet their nutritional needs through the New York State Senior Farmers Market Nutritional Program. Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 7 1.2 Enhance services to seniors Objectives 1) Continue to partner with non-profits groups to initiate Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) that foster aging in place with independence supplemented by human service agencies. 2) Investigate funding opportunities through the New York State Office of Mental Health to continue providing mental health screenings to seniors and caregivers. 3) With the Youth Bureau and schools, develop intergenerational programs with helping seniors that could assist with property maintenance such as leaf raking and snow plowing. 4) With Suffolk County, improve access to benefits for eligible seniors through a shared electronic application process. Responsible Parties: Human Services Department and Southold Youth Bureau Possible Partnerships: Family Service League, Eastern Long Island’s Geriatric Center of Excellence, Suffolk County’s New York Connects, San Simeon by the Sound, Peconic Landing, NY State Office of Mental Health, NY State Office for Aging, Island Health Project , Rebuild Together Long Island 2. Services and Programs for Youth Youth are our future. Over the years, the Town has witnessed a decline of youth children and young people living in Town. In additionIndeed, many youth do not remain in the community after they graduate from high school due to the limited lack of employment opportunities and the lack of affordable housing. 2.1 Sustain services to youth. Objectives: 1) Continue annual funding request with the New York State Office for Children and Family Services for Youth Bureau funding. 2) Continue annual funding request with Suffolk County Youth Bureau for assistance with operation of the Town’s DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program for elementary students. 3) Support the funding request for the Family Service League’s counseling program. 4) Continue to solicit funding for Summer Works program for youth. 5) Support the efforts of the Southold Business Advisory program to provide job mentoring and job shadowing experience with Ttown departments. Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 8 Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 9 2.2 Enhance services to youth. Objectives: 1) With senior services, expand intergenerational programs for youth. 2) Improve recreational opportunities for youth. 3) Seek funding from private corporations to supplement programs for youth. Responsible Parties: Southold Youth Bureau, Human Services Department, Southold Police Department, Southold Recreation Center, Southold Parks, Beaches and Recreation Committee Possible Partnerships: Suffolk County Youth Bureau, Family Service League, local schools, Island Community Center, Island People’s Project, U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Communities That Care, North Fork Alliance, Private Corporations 3. Employment The Economic Chapter 7, “Economic Development,” of this plan addresses employment issues in the Town. The important connection between employment and quality of life for residents is reemphasized in this goal. 3.1 Improve employment opportunities for Town residents Objectives: 1) Co-locate employment counselors at the Human Services Department from Suffolk County Department of Labor to teach skills relating to job search, resume writing, interview skills, etc. 2) Host a monthly “job bank” with local employers seeking employees. 3) Continue to solicit funding for student “Summer Works” program to provide employment opportunities for financially disadvantaged youth. 4) On Town’s website, provide link for Suffolk County Department of Civil Service for employment opportunities. 5) Explore utilization of Suffolk County Office of Retired Executives (SCORE) to assist residents with employment search and retention Responsible Parties: Human Services Department, Southold Youth Bureau and Southold Economic Development Committee Possible Partnerships: Suffolk County Department of Labor, Suffolk County Civil Service, Suffolk County Office of Retired ExecutivesSCORE Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 10 4. Recreational and Cultural Opportunities Recreational, educational, and leisure activities evolve with time and it is important to remain current as well aswhile satisfying the needs of a diverse population. Technological advances require that the facilities and activities remain compelling and instructional for all Town residents. The Chapter 13, “Parks & Recreation,” Chapter of this plan addresses this topic in more depth. 4.1 Provide for a variety of recreational, educational, and leisure experiences and programs to meet the diverse needs of the community. Objectives 1) Issue annual surveys to assess parks and recreational needs of the community as well asand facilitate focus groups. 2) Develop and enhance recreational programs based on responses from the community;, includeing cultural programs (Peconic Lane Community Center.). 3) Partner with existing entities (East End Arts Council, Peconic Landing, North Fork Community Theatre, Southampton Cultural Center, Northeast Stage, etc.) that provide cultural programming to offer educational classes, performances, art exhibits, concerts, and other leisure activities. 4) Enhance technological capacities of the Recreation Center and Peconic Lane Community Center to promote cutting- edge program offerings. 5) Create additional cultural and recreational programs for people with developmental disabilities that could include youth volunteers. Responsible Parties: Southold Recreation Department, Southold Parks, Beaches and Recreation Committee, Department of Data Processing and Information Technology, Planning Department, Southold Developmental Disabilities, Human Services Department and Southold Youth Bureau Possible Partnerships: Peconic Landing, Fishers Island Community Center, Historical Societies, Libraries, East End Arts Council, North Fork Community Theatre 5. Transportation Getting around in the Town of Southold can be challenging for some residents as since public transportation is limited. This The current limitations of public transportation mostly impactsparticularly affect low -income families who cannot afford to purchase a vehicle, seniors who can no longer drive, youth who are not old enough to acquire a license, and individuals with disabilities. Local public transportation is restricted to one bus line, the S 92, which is provided by Suffolk County Transit that and travels from Orient Point, through the and/or Village of Greenport to East Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 11 Hampton along New York State Route 25. Buses typically run once every 15 minutes in the westbound direction during the weekday morning peak of 5 to 7 AM and once every 25 minutes in the eastbound direction during the evening peak of 5 to 8 PM. Weekend service is also available with lesser frequency, with buses running every 40 minutes at peak times and every hour otherwise.This bus generally operates every hour along Route 25, Monday through Saturday. Currently Suffolk County has extended service to include Sundays and holidays in the summer. Opportunities to transfer to other bus lines throughout Suffolk County exist;, however, there is often a prolonged wait time. In addition, Suffolk County Accessible Transit (SCAT) serves individuals with disabilities, however but certain program limitations exist including the following: no door-to-door assistance provided (curbside pick-ups only); pick-up is limited to within ¾ mile from a Suffolk County Transit fixed bus route; and reservations are made on a first-come first-served basis and canno’t be made beyond a week in advance. Travel by train is even more limited as the Long Island Rail rRoad provides fragmented service at odd times that frequently does not coincide with work schedules. 5.1 Improve public transportation opportunities to enable residents to travel throughout Town and the County while also enabling employers the ability to attract employees without vehicles. Objective  Work with Suffolk County and New York State to increase public transit opportunities. 5.2 Expand transportation services to increase access to human services programs. (e.g., youth programs, recreation programs for people with developmental disabilities). Objective  Explore the feasibility of repurposing town fleet vehicles for alternative uses that address transportation needs for human services programs. Responsible Parties: Human Services Department, Youth Bureau, Southold Developmental Disabilities Possible Partnerships: Suffolk County Office for Aging, Suffolk County Youth Bureau, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Long Island Rail rRoad, East End Transportation Commission, Southold Transportation Committee 6. Improve Opportunities for Households Living in Poverty While most households in Southold do not experience poverty, a safety net must be in place to help those who struggle daily to survive as well asand to help households who precariously managestruggle to subsist and meet their economic and healthcare needs. The impact of poverty on individuals and families has many ramifications to everyday life. Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 12 6.1 Continue the support of human services that remediate the impact of poverty to on residents of Southold Town and Greenport Village. Objective  Continue funding of human services through the Town’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds that provide assistance to food pantries, child care and afterschool programs, shelter to the homeless, counseling services, and other related programs. Responsible Parties: Town Board, Human Services Department, Community Block Grant Reviewing Committee Possible Partnerships: Family Service League, North Fork Early Learning Center, Community Action of Southold Town (CAST), North Fork Parish Outreach, Suffolk County Office for Aging, Suffolk County Department of Health, Suffolk County Department of Social Services, Peconic Community Council, Catholic Charities, Island Harvest 7. Education about Human Services Programs Many residents who could benefit from services are unaware and sometimes reluctant to ask about existing resources. 7.1 Expand awareness of and access to human services information and resources. Objectives 1) Develop a comprehensive resource directory of human service agencies and resources. 2) Continue to update and produce a Youth Bureau Resource Directory. 3) Host educational forums to inform public about resources. 4) Expand distribution of information brochures and other print materials town-wide. 5) Use the Town’s Wwebsite to post important information and to provide direct links to other human services agencies and resources Iincluding local libraries. 6) Coordinate with public and private community organizations and local media to inform residents of available services and resources. 7) Feature an educational item in print media and on the Town’s website (e.g., Did You Know…?). and in print media 8) Ensure that communications are developed in Spanish and other languages as needed. Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 13 Responsible Parties: Southold Human Services, Southold Youth Bureau, Department of Information Technology Possible Partnerships: Health Care Issues and the Elderly Committee, Family Service League, North Fork Early Learning Center, Community Action of Southold Town (CAST), North Fork Parish Outreach, North Fork Apostolate, College student intern, volunteers 8. Human Service Delivery and Coordination Effective and efficient delivery of human services is crucial. It is essential that all service delivery agencies, public and private, collaborate and continue to build strong interrelationships to maximize service delivery and minimize duplication of efforts and cost. In addition, more comprehensive data collection and on-going sharing of information is necessary as regional human services providers develop implementation plans and identify potential funding sources. 8.1 Continue efforts currently funded by Southold Town to provide for the coordinated, efficient, and effective delivery of human services currently funded by the Town of Southold that integrate programs and reduce duplication of services. Objectives 1) Develop a standardized reporting tool that can be utilized by service providers for more comprehensive program evaluation and planning. Data can also be used for grant applications and program development. Seek grant funds from the Long Island Community Foundation for development and implementation of standardized monitoring tools. Host workshops to invite human services providers to broaden their knowledge about more effective reporting and evaluation tools. 2) Schedule quarterly meetings with human services providers to enhance networking and information exchange. 3) For improved clarity for residents, consider renaming the “Human Resource Center” (sometimes referred to as the “Senior Center” or the, “Nutrition Center”) to “The Department of Human Services” (including signage, website, and other references to the department) to broaden an awareness of the diverse programs available to address human services needs. Responsible Parties: Human Services Department and Southold Community Development Reviewing Committee Possible Partnerships: Regional Nnon-profits, Long Island Community Foundation 9. Assist Underserved Populations/Minorities Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 14 Populations identified as underserved can benefit from additional assistance from the human services delivery system through education, access to resources, and specialized programs, etc. Underserved populations may include Hispanics, African Americans, Women, Veterans, Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Minorities (gay, lesbian, transgendered), Physically and Mentally Disabled, and others. (see Appendix 8 ___ for detailed census data). Underserved populations may be more vulnerable and socially isolated because of their minority status. The Department of Human Services currently provides a “community services room” to allow greater access for all residents including those in the underserved populations. Minorities may also become a target ofexperience discrimination in housing and employment. An extreme form of discrimination is bias crimes against minorities. The Town must exhibit a welcoming atmosphere for all underserved populations and affirm its zero tolerance for discrimination and bias. 9.1 Provide resources and programs that can benefit underserved populations. Objectives 1) Expand opportunities to groups that service minorities to co-locate at the community services room. This could include Suffolk County Offices of Minority Affairs, Office for Women, and the North Fork Spanish Apostolate (bilingual resources). 2) Partner with the County's Minority Business Development Council and Women’s Business Enterprise Coalition to increase business opportunities for minorities. 3) Highlight information and resources in Human Services Resource Directory. 4) Provide workshops for the Town and local businesses on federal mandates under the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation Act. 5) Promote literacy through enhancing the provision of English as a Second Language (ESL) services to minorities at Ttown sites and local libraries. 9.2 Ensure Town infrastructure is ADA compliant Objectives  Enact an Americans with Disabilities Act ADA Transition Plan and designate an ADA Coordinator for Town infrastructure according to Title 6 Federal regulations. 9.3 Discourage and remediate acts of discrimination and bias. Objectives 1) Host workshops for businesses on equal opportunity practices. 2) Sponsor educational forums on discrimination and bias. Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 15 3) Continue anti-bias education initiative with local schools. 4) Document and monitor incidents of hate crimes and bias acts. Responsible Parties: Human Services Department, Southold Police Department, Southold Town Engineering Department, Southold Anti-Bias Taskforce, Economic Development Committee, Southold Youth Bureau Possible Partnerships: Regional non-profits, Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, Suffolk County Office of Minority Affairs, Suffolk County Office for Women, Long Island Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgendered Network, Long Island AIDS Coalition, North Fork Women for Women Fund, North Fork Women’s Resource Center, The Retreat, North Fork Spanish Apostolate, Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, Local Libraries 10. Behavioral Health Needs: Behavioral health issues such as untreated substance abuse and mental illness can have a serious impact on individuals, their families, and the community as a whole. Increased access to education and available resources in the community can provide greater opportunity for improved health and a better quality of life. 10.1 Coordinate resources to address behavioral health issues and promote wellness. Objectives 1) Partner with public and private service providers to host educational workshops at the Human Services Department, Peconic Lane Community Center, etc., featuring speakers and resources on various topics relating to behavioral health needs. (e.g. “understanding depression”.) In addition, work with local hospitals and providers to increase the awareness of about the availability of behavioral health services for Ttown residents. 2) Co-locate in the Human Services Department community services room the relevant human services providers relating towho give information and referrals for behavioral health needs at the Human Services Department community services room. 3) Work with schools to prevent and address behavioral health needs of students. 4) Continue wellness seminars and workshops for seniors and caregivers with relevant topics (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, depression, senior dementianutrition) Responsible Parties: Human Services Department, Southold Youth Bureau Possible Partnerships: Eastern Long Island Hospital, Peconic Bay Medical Center, South Oaks Hospital, Mental Health Association of Suffolk County, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Long Island Chapter, Suffolk County Health Department., Communities that Care, North Fork Coalition, Regional schools Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 16 Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 17 11. Housing for Persons with Human Service Needs Persons with human services needs have acute housing needs that may be different from those of the general population. Safe and affordable housing is vital to a community’s stability. Many residents are in need of affordable housing, particularly low- income individuals and families who rely on government subsidies. Southold has an unusually large number of senior citizens where 40% percent of year-round residents are age 55 or older. This sizable segment of the population will require special forms of housing and assistance to make it possible for them to age in place and continue living in the Town. As the Town’s population of retirees and senior citizens continues to grow, the need for a younger, stable workforce will also increase. 11.1 Provide additional diversified housing from existing stock in all of the Town’s hamlets to help meet the needs of current year- round residents. Objectives 1) Encourage the development of accessory apartments in existing barns and garages that can be renovated into small apartments for singles or couples or that allow the homeowners (retirees, etc.) to downsize. 2) Continue to work with the Family Service League to expand its HomeShare Long Island program, which provides affordable housing for both seniors and non-seniors, generally in the form of rooms within existing homes. 3) Promote universal design elements in the building code to accommodate seniors ageing in place as well asand persons with physical disabilities. Establish loans and grants from the Town’s CDBG funding to convert larger homes from existing stock into units of affordable rental housing. Responsible Parties: Housing Advisory Commission, Southold Senior Services, Building Department, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, Architectural Review Committee, Community Development Block Grant Possible Partnerships: Suffolk County Economic Development and Workforce Housing, Suffolk County Office for Aging, Family Service League, Walsh Park Benevolent Association, Habitat for Humanity, Community Development Corporation of Long Island, Long Island Housing Partnership Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 18 11.2 Encourage the development of diversified housing to help meet the needs of current year-round residents, including senior citizens (this sub-goal is also in the Chapter 8, “Housing,” Chapter of this plan, along with more details on the housing needs of the Town). Objectives 1) Develop units of moderate-income home ownership through the Town’s inclusionary zoning policies, Suffolk County 72 H transfers (tax default properties), a change of zoning to Affordable Housing District, and partnerships with non-profit housing developers utilizing New York State HOME funding. This could include consideration of changing the building code to allow smaller size homes than haved been previously envisioned (less fewer than 850 square feet.). 2) Develop partnerships with non-profit housing developers to build age-restricted apartments using HUD’s Section 202 funding. 3) Develop moderate-income home-ownership units (condos, etc.) with age restrictions through inclusionary zoning policies, change of zoning to Affordable Housing District, and partnerships with housing providers. 4) Explore the feasibility of identifying potential locations that would be appropriate for higher -density affordable housing that would be readily available to potential sponsors for development. Identification of such locations would be part of a process of public meetings process with the Town Board, Planning Board and Housing Advisory Commission. 5) Support the development of assisted-living facilities in appropriate locations. Responsible Parties: Housing Advisory Commission, Town Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals Possible Partnerships: Suffolk County Economic Development and Workforce Housing, Community Development Corporation of Long Island, Long Island Housing Partnership, Housing Urban Development, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Walsh Park Benevolent Association, Community Land Trust of Southold, Private Developers, Independent Group Home Living, Inc., Aid for the Developmentally Disabled 12. Civic engagement and volunteerism The implementation of human services strategies requires the engagement of Town residents to improve the condition of lives for individuals, families, and neighbors. In addition, tThe high demand for human servicesheavy workload of helping others requiresnecessitates creating a dedicated base of volunteers to assist the Town and community service groups to help others improve their lives. In addition, volunteer efforts of by local firefighters and emergency technicians are invaluable to the Town’s safety and well-being. Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Update 19 12.1 Promote Civic Engagement and Volunteerism Objectives 1) Facilitate an array of volunteer opportunities through community meetings with non-profits, hospitals, faith-based institutions, etc. 2) Develop “job descriptions” of positions available. 3) Initiate a “Southold Community Service Day” with networking opportunities to enable potential volunteers to learn about opportunities. 4) Formalize a “Town of Southold Community Service” program for youth and the general population, especially retired seniors. 5) Continue Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) telephone assurance program to homebound seniors. 6) Continue provision of Elderlaw clinics for seniors. 7) Explore opportunities for free legal counseling for non-seniors. 8) Continue the Town’s participation in providing community service opportunities with the Justice Court. 9) Where feasible, support efforts of Fire Departments so as tothat may assist their recruitment and retention of volunteers as well asand enable teaching and re-certification., 10) Engage underserved minorities to increase their participation in civic affairs and volunteerism. 11) Promote mobile Town Board meetings throughout the community to increase access and citizen engagement. Responsible Parties: Human Services Department, Southold Town Board, Southold Youth Bureau, Southold Justice Court, Southold Anti-Bias Taskforce, Local Civic Associations. Possible Partnerships: Community Action Southold Town, Family Service League, North Fork Early Learning Center, Robert Perry Day Care, Peconic Community Council, Faith-based institutions, Eastern Long Island Hospital, Retired Senior Volunteer Program RSVP, Peconic Bay Medical Center, Fire Districts, U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training CorpsROTC, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rotary Clubs, Lions Club,