City and state agree to reduce parolees at shelter

Camp LaGuardia is first site for new reduction initiative Chester — Camp LaGuardia is among the first of New York City’s homeless shelters targeted in an initiative to reduce the number of parolees. Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Robert V. Hess and Orange County Executive Edward A. Diana jointly announced last week that the New York City Department of Homeless Services and the New York State Division of Parole have agreed to work together to improve outcomes for parolees and reduce their numbers in city shelters, including Camp LaGuardia in the towns of Chester and Blooming Grove. The agreement, which went into effect last month, means parolees at Camp LaGuardia will be placed in other treatment programs and housing. In addition, parolees entering the New York City shelter system who have never been assigned to Camp LaGuardia, or whose last stay at Camp LaGuardia was more than a year ago, will no longer be referred there. The Department of Homeless Services’s correctional review unit, in conjunction with the state and shelter staff, will expedite the relocation of current Camp LaGuardia parolees with medical or mental health problems within 90 days. In addition, when the monthly average of the daily parolee census at Camp LaGuardia falls to 15, the department will transfer all remaining parolees assigned there to other shelters within the city’s shelter system. “This initiative is a win-win for DHS, the state and the residents of Orange County,” said Commissioner Robert V. Hess. “We could not have reached this agreement without the full support of Anthony Ellis, executive director New York State Division of Parole, and the cooperation of Orange County Executive Edward Diana. This is another step in our ongoing efforts to reduce the number of parolees in shelter while improving services to all homeless New Yorkers.” Diana applauded the initiative. “That New York City has chosen Camp LaGuardia as the first shelter for implementation of this city/state initiative is a very positive step in our ongoing negotiations with the city,” he said. “It is a step in the right direction, and I will continue negotiations with the city until all issues are addressed and concerns are alleviated for residents in neighboring communities. We appreciate Commissioner Hess’ efforts in bringing about this agreement.” New York State Division of Parole Executive Director Anthony G. Ellis II said the agreement “will allow parole officers, our colleagues in the law enforcement and the Department of Homeless Services to continue to work collaboratively to reduce crime.” Improving outcomes for parolees and reducing the number of parolees in shelters is part of “Uniting for Solutions Beyond Shelter,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s five-year action plan to end chronic homelessness by two-thirds by 2009. According to the plan, working to identify transitional housing and permanent housing opportunities for parolees will allow the city and state to promote public safety and help parolees to return to independent living.