City aims to keep city, BX residents out of shelters

The city is looking to keep more people in the Bronx and the rest of New York City in their homes and out of shelters.The plan will expand a program known as HomeBase. The program serves families and individuals who are at risk of becoming homeless. It started out in six communities throughout the city, including two in the Bronx.The expansion means all residents in the borough can take advantage of the program's services. Some of the services include family and landlord mediation, job training and legal and financial assistance. The program was started in 2004. HomeBase officials say they have helped 6,300 families and individuals and were able to keep 94 percent of those helped out of shelters.