News & Events

Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro today announced Dutchess County Government has established “Dutchess Responds,” an online portal through the County’s website, http://www.dutchessny.gov/dutchessresponds with information for residents who want to offer assistance, through volunteering, monetary donations or other efforts to help in the fight against Coronavirus. Additionally, the new site provides a one-stop connection for those residents who need assistance with food delivery, prescriptions and household essentials during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents in need of assistance
For those in need of assistance, particularly seniors or disabled individuals, a one-stop connection has been established between food resources in our community and those with a critical need for food and other necessities. The Dutchess Responds Food Connection is accessible through the http://www.dutchessny.gov/dutchessresponds website. Residents can also call the County’s Coronavirus Information Line (845-486-3555) and select Option 5.

A list of food resources, including food pantries, farmer markets and meal resources for school-aged children, is also available on the website.

Additionally, the Dutchess County Legislature has offered assistance to residents in their districts, particularly grocery shopping assistance for seniors. Residents who would like to utilize this assistance can contact the Legislature through its Facebook page or by emailing CountyLegislature@dutchessny.gov.

Dutchess County Government continues to provide residents the most current information and guidance on its website, http://www.dutchessny.gov/coronavirus, its Coronavirus hotline, (845) 486-3555, and its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

BHA is proud to introduce the Mutual Aid Beacon (MAB) Network. This is a community based organization made up of volunteers whose mission is to address the community needs and provide services to residents within the Beacon Community.

During these fast moving and uncertain times MAB is providing direct community support to seniors, people with disabilities, marginalized and racialized communities, and people who are quarantined without pay. MAB is volunteering to run errands, drop off food, help with technology issues, etc.,etc. The MAB Network is focused on building strong connections within the community through mutual respect and acts of kindness.

MAB is looking for volunteers to assist in their mission. They also seek those individuals who are in need of assistance and support. If you are interested in being a volunteer, or if you need assistance please click on the link below; https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG9js7cpzZ7rOIeANJVs94M9K5GsnPzs-xECUHW_LqszscTw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3nAtkza44IaDeCYUp10ohhaLPdr08kBsBqrNdTprSMNv3VslmbuxDLYW0

You may also text/call 845-206-9836 for assistance as well.

The Beacon Housing Authority in partnership with Hudson Valley Seed were scheduled to hold its second annual event “Let’s Get Cooking”. The Event was to take place on Saturday March 21st, 2020 and was to be held at the Forrestal Height Community Room at 10am. A recent decision made by BHA Management resulted in the cancellation of this event. Given the current trends and information regarding the Coronavirus BHA wanted to take a “Pro-active” position in regard to the community.

Those residents who have signed up for this event should be advised of the following: * This event is not taking place as scheduled and has not being rescheduled at this time. BHA will keep it residents informed of any future changes in this matter.

Dear Residents;

As you are aware, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has arrived in the New York State Metropolitan Area. The number of confirmed cases is almost certain to rise in our region over the next several weeks as verified testing becomes more available.

At this time no Physician Offices have the ability to test for COVID-19. The test can only be done by NYS and CDC. For more information visit;   https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

With this in mind we would like to communicate to BHA community some of the most recent facts regarding this subject.

Please review the attached flyer from the CDC entitled “What You Need to Know About Coronavirus Disease 2019”. This is posted on BHA Community Bulletin Boards for our residents to review. Copies of the flyer can be picked up at the Management Office as well as emailed to those residents who have provided an active email address.

BHA will remain diligent and provide any updates as they develop.

EverCare At Home in collaboration with BHA and Dutchess County Office of the Aging will present a workshop on Elder Abuse Awareness. This will be the first in an educational series presented by EverCare At Home. EverCare At Home is a certified Home Health Agency which provides various programs and services to residents throughout Dutchess County.

BHA invites you to attend this workshop, it can benefit all members of the community. For more information, please contact Arlette Murrain at (845)-542-9551

• Take Action and help give victims a voice!
• Learn how to help prevent Elder Abuse
• Join us – Friday, January 17th, 2020 @ 1pm
• Place – Beacon Housing Authority, Community Room, 1 Forrestal Heights, Beacon, NY, 12508
• All are welcomed
• Light refreshments will be served.

• Location – One Forrestal Heights, Beacon , N Y, 12508
• Date – Saturday December 14th, 2019
• Time – 5pm until 8pm
• RSVP by December 4th, 2019
• Please contact the main office for further details (845) 831-1289.

• The Beacon Housing Authority (BHA) whose mission is to promote adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity, and a suitable living environment free from discrimination, has partnered with T-Mobile to introduce technology within traditionally underserved communities.

The “Bridging The Digital Divide” Initiative will take place on Tuesday October 29th, 2019. BHA and T-Mobile will provide free tablets along with low cost high speed unlimited access to its residents of public housing. This is a voluntary program and residents must enroll to participate.

*Tablets will be issued at Hamilton Fish Plaza (9am-10:30am) *Tablets will be issued at Forrestal Heights (2pm-3:30pm). *Recommended training session will be provided at each location site so that residents can familiarize themselves with the tablet. *Residents who participate in this program will pay a$10 monthly fee for each tablet assigned to their household. *The Fee is to cover a portion of the cost for the monthly internet service. *The total monthly cost of the high speed unlimited internet access is $20 per month however Beacon Housing Authority will subsidize the balance for each tablet assigned to a resident of public housing.  

The objective of this initiative is to introduce to technology within BHA and provide a pathway for its youth, the underemployed, and the elderly to achieving self sufficiency.  

The City of Beacon Housing Authority has been awarded the Resident Opportunity Self Sufficiency [ROSS] grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The purpose of the grant is to connect tenants of public housing authorities with services and activities to achieve economic and housing self sufficiency.  This purpose is two-fold, as the program will work with families and elderly or persons with disabilities.

The work with families will include services helping families increase earned income thus reduce or eliminate the need for public assistance.  For the elderly and persons with disabilities, the program is designed to improve living conditions to allow for independent living.

If you, your family or anyone you know is a Beacon Housing Authority tenant and can benefit from the program, call the BHA at 845-831-1289.