A recent report from the New York State Comptroller’s Office, led by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, has highlighted a significant increase in homelessness across New York State. The report indicates that the number of homeless individuals has more than doubled since 2022, with New York now accounting for nearly 20% of the nation’s homeless population, second only to California.
Chautauqua County is among the areas affected by this rise in homelessness, experiencing a surge of over 100% in just two years. “The findings from the Comptroller’s Office confirm what we’ve been witnessing firsthand — this crisis is not just a big-city issue, it’s here in our own communities,” said Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. He emphasized the need for stronger state support to ensure resources reach rural areas like Chautauqua County.
The report further reveals that between January 2023 and January 2024, homelessness in New York increased by 53.1%, which is more than four times the rate of growth seen elsewhere in the country. Alarmingly, more than 32% of the state’s homeless population are children under the age of 18.
Carmelo Hernandez, Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services and Commissioner of Social Services, commented on the situation: “Homelessness is more than just a housing crisis—it’s a human crisis.” He stressed that many facing homelessness also struggle with mental health challenges and called for acceptance of available support to overcome these obstacles.
Chautauqua County reported a dramatic increase in overall homelessness from 2022 to 2024: a rise of 103% overall, with family homelessness up by 150% and child homelessness up by 141%. This reflects statewide trends where family homelessness nearly tripled during this period.
Several factors have contributed to this crisis:
– The expiration of pandemic protections led to an increase in eviction filings after New York’s eviction moratorium ended in 2022.
– A lack of affordable housing affects over 38% of New Yorkers who spend more than one-third of their income on housing.
– An influx of asylum seekers has impacted housing stability across upstate communities.
– Mental health and substance use issues affect about 10% of New York’s homeless population.
In response to these challenges, Chautauqua County has expanded its support network for those experiencing homelessness. Services include emergency relief options such as overnight shelter at Code Blue Warming Center operated by Recovery Options Made Easy during extreme weather conditions. Additionally, emergency housing assistance and mental health treatment programs are available through the County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services.
Residents seeking assistance can visit CHQGov.com/CodeBlue or contact the Department at 716-661-8200 for help.
