MONTICELLO – When New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Paula Kay came to the Federation for the Homeless in Monticello, Federation Director Kathy Kreiter knew they were visiting but didn’t know what they were about to announce—one million dollars in funding for the organization. 

“It’s amazing and it was unexpected,” Kreiter said. “I started to cry. It means everything [to us].” 

Heastie and Kay announced the funding on Thursday to support the federation’s capital project goals as they look to improve their facility.

“So many of our neighbors rely on the vital support the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless provides,” said Assemblymember Kay. “This funding will be a vital resource to them, allowing them to grow and ensure that they have the opportunity to support even more families across our communities.”

The funding will go toward capital project plans including structural/architectural improvements including ensuring ADA compliance and providing adequate drainage for the building; updating the electrical, ensuring energy code is met; updating the plumbing; and Hazardous Materials Abatement.

“For decades, community members have been able to rely on support from the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless in their times of need,” said Speaker Heastie. “I’m honored to announce this funding today that will support the federation’s mission to continue providing vital resources to local families as they get back on their feet.”

This funding is on top of a $100,000 grant from Assemblymember Kay, which allowed the federation to invest in new furnaces, handicap access and refurbishing the main entrance.

“Paula was instrumental in getting [the funding,]” Kreiter said. “We’re very fortunate.” 

Located at 9 Monticello Street in Monticello, the federation provides a daily soup kitchen and weekly food pantry, including a food processing kitchen that allows them to freeze fresh produce to be used in meals or to be given out at the pantry. 

Last year they served 85,000 meals. They also have a clothing closet, provide holiday meals and gifts, and have a program to provide financial assistance for housing. 

Kreiter points out that they “serve everybody,” from veterans to families, not just those who may be living on the streets. 

“People don’t become homeless because they want to,” Kreiter remarked. “I wish people would stop penalizing people for being homeless.” 

Sullivan County currently does not have a homeless shelter. The county works with hotels to rent rooms to place people in temporary housing. 

Recently, the county legislature discussed building a new shelter in Monticello, but the plans are stalled as legislators continue to look for an appropriate site. 

Kreiter says she is in support of a county shelter. When asked if there has been an increase in the homeless population recently, Kreiter said “absolutely.” 

According to Sullivan County officials, the county is currently housing 262 people.

Kreiter adds that this new funding as well as individual donations keeps their organization running. 

“Our community has always been behind us,” she said. “That’s why we’re still here.”