(Image via: Fabian Montaño / Canva)
MAYVILLE, NY – A recent report from the New York State Comptroller’s Office, led by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, has revealed a staggering increase in homelessness across the state, with numbers more than doubling since 2022.
New York now accounts for nearly 20% of the nation’s homeless population, second only to California. While much of this surge has been driven by conditions in New York City, the crisis is also affecting counties across the state — including Chautauqua County, where homelessness has spiked by 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. “While we are doing everything we can at the county level, we need stronger support from the State to ensure resources are reaching rural areas like ours. We need more funding for emergency shelters and mental health services to truly combat this growing problem. Chautauqua County will continue to step up, but we cannot fight this battle alone.”
The report highlights that between January 2023 and January 2024, homelessness in New York increased by 53.1%, more than four times the rate of growth in the rest of the nation. Notably, the number of homeless children in the state has more than doubled since 2022, with 32.1% of the homeless population now under the age of 18.
“Homelessness is more than just a housing crisis—it’s a human crisis. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, or a child facing uncertainty and hardship,” said Carmelo Hernandez, Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services and Commissioner of Social Services. “Many individuals experiencing homelessness are also struggling with mental health challenges, making it even harder for them to find stability. It is imperative that those in need accept the support available to help them overcome these obstacles. We are here to offer not just shelter, but guidance, treatment, and a path forward. No one should feel like they have to navigate this alone—we are ready to help.”
According to the report, Chautauqua County experienced a 103% increase in overall homelessness between 2022 and 2024, with a 150% rise in homeless families and a 141% increase in children without stable housing. This mirrors trends seen across the state, where homelessness among families nearly tripled during the same period.
Several key factors, have contributed to this crisis, including:
- The Expiration of Pandemic Protections: With the end of New York’s eviction moratorium in 2022, eviction filings surged, reaching over 191,000 cases statewide in 2024.
- Lack of Affordable Housing: Over 38% of New Yorkers are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs.
- Influx of Asylum Seekers: While much of this impact has been concentrated in New York City, statewide migration patterns have also influenced housing instability in upstate communities. Chautauqua County maintains an Emergency Order seeking sustainable migration.
- Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges: The report notes that 10% of the homeless population in New York struggles with severe mental illness or chronic substance use, highlighting the need for integrated support services.
In response to the growing need, Chautauqua County has expanded its homelessness support network, offering a range of services designed to provide emergency relief and long-term solutions. The Code Blue Warming Center, operated by Recovery Options Made Easy, offers overnight shelter during extreme weather conditions, ensuring that no individual is left out in the cold.
In addition, the County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services provides:
- Emergency Housing Assistance: Short-term shelter solutions for individuals and families facing immediate crisis.
- Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment: Counseling, rehabilitation, and intervention programs for those struggling with related challenges.
Residents in need of assistance can access these services by visiting CHQGov.com/CodeBlue or calling the Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services at 716-661-8200.
