Jamestown, NY provides update on homeless crisis, receives backlash for methods

Jamestown, NY ( WJET/WFXP )– City of Jamestown, NY officials have provided an update on the emergency declaration made at the end of July over the growing number of homeless encampments around the city after receiving backlash from a local homeless agency.

Since the declaration on July 25, Mayor Kimberly Ecklund said the city has cleared out, or swept, one homeless encampment in the area of Ransom Valley claiming they gave residents of the camp 96 hours to clear out and had agencies on hand to help any residents the day of the sweep.

City of Jamestown Officials also said funding for the Crisis Stabilization Center for Recovery Options Made Easy (ROME) is advancing and Governor Kathy Hochul and Office of Mental Health (OMH) are working with providers to expand capacity for mental health facilities. The three are also working to designate another facility in Southwestern New York in the near future.

Mayor Ecklund said she expects a Mobile Medication Unit (MMU) supported by Promesa to roll out later this year to help with distributing addiction treatment medications.

Mayor Ecklund the emergency declaration was made due to the serious public health and safety risks brought on by the encampments, including improper disposal of needles, human waste, environmental damage, and increased criminal activity.

While the city said the sweep went through without incident, their methods recently received backlash from the Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. (COI), the county’s lead agency for their homeless coalition.

In a release , COI said they do not support the sweeps and are disappointed in the city’s methods saying sweeps are largely ineffective and can be detrimental to homeless individuals while making aid efforts more difficult and eroding trust in institutions.

COI also said the city’s actions come in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on homelessness saying “Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.”

“Our agency is aware of the seriousness of the problem, locally and across the country.  The shortage of housing units and limited resources results in major gaps in services. We believe in working collaboratively with all agencies responsible for addressing homelessness in Chautauqua County to devise a plan that is solution-based, respectful and allows those experiencing homelessness to maintain their dignity,” said Diane Hewitt-Johnson, COI’s CEO.

COI also cited research from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council , HUD , and the American Public Health Association when criticizing the sweeps and that the county has limited homeless shelter beds while relying on motels to fill the gap while spots are running out.

In response, Mayor Ecklund said she’s disappointed in COI’s response saying the city hoped for their assistance and collaboration and they’ve been compelled to take the lead on responding to the crisis despite the lack of resources.

The mayor justified the methods by citing similar methods from other areas in western New York like Salamanca and Seneca Nation along with other states and cities.

Ecklund also criticized COI’s lack of meetings saying they’ve only scheduled six one-hour meetings for 2024 despite receiving over $150,000 in CDBG funds for their women’s shelter and $180,000 for two Code Blue Shelters two years ago.

Ecklund called it unrealistic to expect the issue to be addressed with that much time and that she hopes COI’s plan for collaboration will reflect a partnership with all stakeholders. She also said residents are demanding immediate action due to the risks posed.

“Jamestown residents are demanding immediate action to address the growing issue of encampments. They are increasingly frustrated by the dangerous and unsanitary conditions along the Riverwalk, including discarded needles, public urination, human waste, and the pervasive odors they produce,” Mayor Ecklund said.

While Ecklund said she and the city urge COI to make a contribution to the issue, the city will still continue with their efforts should they choose to not to engage with the city.

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