The Homeless and Travelers Aid Society of the Capital District, Inc., Albany

The Homeless and Travelers Aid Society of the Capital District, Inc. (HATAS), Albany, was awarded a grant from The Foundation in 2007 for its Jail Diversion Program. The program serves non-violent persons known or suspected to be living with a mental illness who are arrested. Those appropriate for jail diversion are linked to service providers and receive an individualized treatment plan with the overall aim of stabilization and re-entry into the community. This program began in 1995 and served 294 people in 2006.

Homeless and Travelers Aid Society has served the Capital District since 1924. Initially, HATAS provided aid to stranded travelers and military personnel. However, in the 1980’s, and mirroring other Travelers Aids around the country, it focused more of its resources to emergency services for homeless people and other local social services issues. HATAS is the first step for thousands who seek help with mental health issues, emergency shelter placement, case management, and job training and placement. HATAS helps people make permanent changes in their lives so that they may live stable, productive lives.