Recent state funds allotted to the Chenango County Department of Social Services will allow the department to add two new case manager positions to help combat issues of chronic homelessness and temporary assistance in the county. (Photo by Shawn Magrath)

NORWICH – The Chenango County Department of Social Services (DSS) is exploring the use of state allocations to create new positions within the department that would help curb issues of chronic homelessness and temporary assistance in the county.

The latest surge of funds to Chenango County is part of the New York legislature’s $17 million effort to combat prolonged reliance on temporary assistance seen in counties statewide. Based on a funding formula that takes local caseloads into account, Chenango County will get a $165,000 allocation which local officials say would pay salary and fringe benefits of two new hires at the department of social services.

According to Chenango County DSS Commissioner Daniel Auwarter, funds will be earmarked for the creation of two case manager roles at DSS to help handle temporary aid cases and collaborate with the county’s behavioral health division on behalf of individuals who qualify for assistance.