Homeless and Travelers Aid Society (HATAS)

The Homeless and Travelers Aid Society (“HATAS”) is a not for profit human services agency headquartered in Albany whose mission is to provide immediate relief and long term solutions for the most vulnerable members of our community by preventing, combating, and reducing homelessness within the Capital Region. We meet the immediate need for emergency shelter, food and clothing in addition to addressing the long-term need for affordable housing and employment assistance.

The Feed and Read Program serves 500 children in the Albany School District for 30 weeks of the school year. Established in 2014, the FAR Program aims to supply nutritious food to the 33% of Albany children who face hunger on the weekends. In addition to 12 lbs. of food, the FAR Program provides an age-appropriate book to each student, every week.

The HATAS Capital Region Furniture Bank is a model agency collaboration that brings together HATAS, Catholic Charities, St. Catherine's Center for Children, Northern Rivers Services, and Unity House to provide free, basic furnishings for households emerging from homeless shelters and domestic violence. While a stable place to live is critical to success, home furnishings are another piece of the puzzle. Individuals and families are referred to us by our partners. The referred consumer then shops our warehouse for beds, dressers, sofas, tables and chairs which are then delivered to their new home. Donations welcome!

Code Blue Albany is an outreach, transportation, and shelter protocol to engage, transport, and shelter homeless people in the City of Albany who might otherwise remain unsheltered during periods of extreme winter weather.

Coordinated Entry is a critical component of the system-wide effort to prevent, reduce, and combat homelessness in Albany County. It ensures that all people experiencing a housing crisis have uniform access to housing assistance and support. Through this process, people can access HATAS':

• 24-Hour Homeless Emergency Services Hotline
• Rapid Rehousing, which rapidly connects individuals experiencing homelessness to permanent housing
• Supportive Housing and wrap-around services for people with disabilities
• Prison Re-Entry Program that helps people come home and stay home in their communities through focused wellness-based support, housing, and employment assistance