Albany County’s Department of Social Services (DSS) is paying between $2,000 and $3,570 for a single month’s stay in a motel room – a figure that exceeds the average rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in the city. County records obtained by CBS6 reveal that from January through July 2026 the department disbursed $1,198,140 to seven local motel vendors to house 441 individuals experiencing homelessness.
Cost breakdown
The county’s reported nightly rates range from $65.46 to $119.00. For example, an average stay at Colonie Inn & Suites costs $87.48 per night, or roughly $2,624 for a 30‑day period. At Schenectady Inn & Suites the same 30‑day stay would total about $3,233, while State Inn would reach $3,570.
By comparison, Apartments.com lists the average rent for a one‑bedroom unit in Albany at approximately $1,584 per month.
Impact on individuals
One woman who lost her job and home was required to contribute $314.08 per week toward her temporary shelter, according to a DSS referral dated Aug. 24. Her unemployment income was $1,652 per month, meaning the weekly contribution would total $1,256.32 over four weeks – a burden that left her questioning how she could save for a permanent apartment.
When the county reviewed her case it reduced the required contribution by $88 per month, though the revised weekly amount was not disclosed.
County perspective
Albany County officials stress that motels are a “last‑resort” option, used only when contracted shelters are full or when a client is discharged from a shelter and barred from returning. The department aims to move residents to shelter beds as soon as they become available.
Commissioner Erin Stachewicz wrote that the county faces “an increase in the numbers of individuals/families becoming unhoused due to the limited stock of affordable housing” and rising costs for basic needs such as food, utilities, and healthcare. She also warned that the elimination of HUD funding for permanent supportive housing in 2027 could force more than 700 stabilized households back into temporary housing.
Community response
Liz Hitt, executive director of the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society (HATAS), echoed the county’s concerns. “No one wants to pay $2,500. Albany County doesn’t want to do it,” Hitt said. She added that motels are only used when absolutely necessary because of their high cost.
HATAS works closely with DSS to assist people experiencing homelessness, emphasizing that a shortage of affordable housing is the biggest barrier to moving individuals out of temporary placements. “If we had more housing, then this whole problem would be better addressed,” Hitt said.
State assistance programs
The county noted that eligible individuals can apply for rental assistance vouchers, which require a household to pay about 30 % of its income toward rent. However, the limited supply of affordable units means many voucher recipients cannot find suitable housing.
For those without vouchers, the county provides a monthly shelter allowance of $200 for a single adult and $347 for a family of four – amounts that fall far short of market rents.
Looking ahead
Officials acknowledge that while motel placements are costly, they are governed by different state regulations than permanent housing assistance, preventing a direct reallocation of funds. The county continues to seek additional affordable units and to work with New York State Homes and Community Renewal on solutions.
As the shortage persists, the focus remains on getting people out of motels and into stable, permanent homes, a goal shared by both DSS and local nonprofit partners.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
